Reading boss Brian McDermott bemoans one goal head-starts

Brian McDermott gave new signing Yann Kermorgant 45 minutes against Sheffield Wednesday

Reading manager Brian McDermott wants to see his side start games faster after they conceded an early goal against Sheffield Wednesday.

The Royals claimed a 1-1 draw against Championship play-off contenders Wednesday courtesy of centre-back Jake Cooper's second-half header.

It was the first time in 187 attempts Reading had scored from a corner.

"We should've won," McDermott told BBC Radio Berkshire. "We need to work on giving teams a goal head-start."

He added: "Having said that, in thelast 70 minutes we were the better team. They're the form team in the league and we had chances to win it at the end."

Debutant striker Yann Kermorgant failed to direct a header on target for a late Reading winner as he made his first appearance since signing on an 18-month deal from Bournemouth.

"We weren't tough enough first half," said McDermott. "They got the goal and they're sat behind the ball and we're not going to break them down.

"Yann gave us another dimension when he came on. The boys showed real courage and resilience, which they've shown in the last couple of games, and that's good news for us."