Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan scored the only goal as Reading moved out of the League One relegation zone with a 1-0 win over Northampton Town.
The Royals dominated a scrappy first half only to be denied by a string of fine saves from Town goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons, before making the breakthrough in the 65th minute through a precise header from Ehibhatiomhan to end their four-match winless league run.
Fitzsimons Frustrates the Royals
Neither side made much impression in the dour opening stages, but Fitzsimons did well to palm away a firm Paudie O'Connor header from a Charlie Savage corner.