ALAN Knill admitted Saturday's crunch clash at Crystal Palace took on added importance after Scunthorpe United fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Reading.

The Iron boss was left to rue defensive errors as two second-half goals, from Shane Long and an Ian Harte penalty, ended what had otherwise been a promising first half from the hosts.

"I think it was a fair result in the end," said Knill.

"Up to the first goal, it was pretty even and we played pretty well in the first half.

"I was just disappointed because we played okay, but didn't really push on. It just looked like we were waiting for something to happen.

"And then the first goal killed us.

"We gave the ball away and got caught. It was a poor goal, then with the penalty straight after, the game's over against a good side like Reading.

"But I thought we competed pretty well in the first half and played some decent stuff without really sticking the knife in.

"I was definitely disappointed with the second half.

"The first goal changed the game because we were pretty much in it up until then.

"At this level you can't give the ball away like we did under no pressure. You've got to stop that."

Given Saturday's 4-1 victory over league leaders QPR, there was added disappointment for Knill, with the gap to safety is now six points.

"You win Saturday, you expect exactly the same again," said the United manager. "We're running out of games.

"I wanted six points out of these two games because we were as good as them in the first half.

"If you apply yourself like we have done, you've got every chance of taking three points.

"If you look at the goal difference you can see what's happened here, it's a ridiculous goals against column.

"There's six points in it, but even if we took one point, you don't lose that game last night.

"I thought we were fairly comfortable, but they were always a danger."

United will be hoping to have midfield man Michael O'Connor fit for Saturday after staying off at half-time last night through injury.

Loan defender Marcus Williams could also make his debut back for the Iron at Selhurst Park.