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Yann Kermorgant has now scored four goals in his last three games for Reading

Two Yann Kermorgant headers helped Reading to victory over struggling Blackburn Rovers, sending the Royals up to third in the Championship.

The 35-year-old French striker struck twice during the first half, converting crosses from Tyler Blackett and John Swift to put the hosts in command.

Elliott Bennett's sweet volley briefly gave Rovers hope, but Garath McCleary's shot sent Reading above Huddersfield.

Blackburn remain in 22nd, but only one point behind Bristol City.

Rovers had gone seven league games unbeaten under manager Tony Mowbray prior to Saturday's defeat by Brighton, but successive losses leave them in the relegation zone.

Reading, meanwhile, have narrowed the gap to the top two to eight points following three victories in a row - with the impressive Kermorgant playing a part in all three.

After scoring in the recent wins over Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds, he produced two textbook headers in the first half to put his side in control against Blackburn.

Rovers were improved after the break and deservedly scored through Bennett's fine strike from distance, but McCleary's goal just moments later made sure of the points.

Reading manager Jaap Stam: "I was happy with the three points and certain parts of the first half. To go 2-0 up in half-an-hour gives you a good feeling and you are always hoping that you can continue like that.

"But players can then sometimes feel a bit too comfortable and you get a bit sloppy. It gives the opposition the chance to go forward.

"It was a bit worrying when Blackburn scored, but Garath McCleary got it back straight away and that made it a bit easier for us."

Blackburn head coach Tony Mowbray: "Two crosses, two headers from Yann Kermorgant and that was it. We came with a game plan to play as much in their half as we could, but it was disappointing in the first half.

"In the second half we had some great chances in front of goal, but were very wasteful. Those chances have to go in, which would have made an interesting game of it.

"We've now got to win enough games to stay in the league and then, after that, we can hopefully build a team."