Reading completed a 4-2 victory over Southampton in their first Premier League 2 fixture of 2017.
The Royals established a three-goal lead thanks to strikes from Andrija Novakovich, Joseph Mendes and Rob Dickie (pictured above).
Although Southampton rallied in the second half, through substitute Ryan Seager’s penalty and Ollie Cook’s late header, Novakovich's spot-kick ensured the three points for Reading.
"We gave away two sloppy goals at the start of the match."@RadhijaidiOff on #SaintsFCU23s' defeat to #ReadingFC: https://t.co/QpymNM0Sqx
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) January 6, 2017
The win took Reading up to ninth, a point behind Southampton in Division 1.
The Royals next visit Goodison Park, where they will face leaders Everton on 16 January is, while Southampton host fourth-placed Arsenal on the same day.
Follow @PLYouth for all the latest PL2 news