READING FC's Yann Kermorgant slammed the "horrendous" pitch at Madejski Stadium, suggesting it benefits the opposition in the wake of a dismal stalemate with Barnsley FC.

The 35-year-old striker, who penned a 12-month contract extension with the Royals yesterday, said his team-mates were left frustrated after failing to score against a defiant Barnsley.

Both sides squandered several opportunites to break the deadlock, including Barnsley's Marley Watkins who crashed a low strike against the woodwork.

Danny Williams scuffed a gilt-edged opportunity at the other end, with Beerens, Kermorgant and McCleary all coming close.

But much of the post-match talk was the state of the pitch at Madejski Stadium, and Kermorgant groaned: "When you try to play good football with the ball on the ground then a pitch like this doesn't help.

"It's frustrating, the pitch is horrendous. But we have to deal with it.

"Now it suits the opponents that come here and try to get a point like Barnsley did today.

"They normally play good football but I think today they went direct with long balls on purpose because the pitch is bad.

"We still tried to play our game and move the ball quickly but it was difficult. It's going to be like that for another month or two so we have to adapt.

"It was really frustrating not to get the three points. We pushed and we tried to score the goal. It didn't come, we had a few good chances and good crosses but we couldn't finish.

"I was very happy to sign a new deal but today I didn't get the same feeling."

Stam threw on new striker Lewis Grabban at half-time to try and push for an opening goal, but he deployed the Bournemouth loanee in the centre of midfield.

While it was not the 29-year-old's natural position, Kermorgant insisted Royals' new forward had a positive influence on the game.

"Lewis played in midfield, of course the manager decides what he wants to do," continued Kermorgant.

"He did well, we tried to push for the goal but it didn't come."

Royals face Brentford FC on Tuesday night and will be hoping for a better scoreline than the 4-1 defeat at Griffin Park earlier on in the season.

"It's not about revenge," insisted Kermorgant.

"It's another game. They are a good team.

"After a dissappointing draw against Barnsley we have to produce a win to make sure we go home happy."