Second-half goals from Jacob Twyford and Tre Pemberton earned Stoke City a 2-1 win that ended Reading's title hopes in Premier League 2 Division 2.
Stoke went ahead on 66 minutes as Twyford burst into the box and finished into the top corner.
The Potters extended their lead two minutes later when Pemberton emphatically hit his shot into the roof of the net.
Royals captain Gabriel Osho grabbed a consolation in the final minute as Reading finished second on 40 points, three behind leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Reading will now compete in the playoffs, contested between the team ranked second to fifth, for the second promotion place.
See: Stoke report | Reading report