Sunderland dealt Reading’s Premier League 2 Division 2 title prospects a blow by winning 1-0 at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Following a goalless first half Jack Diamond struck the only goal of the match with a long-range strike on 61 minutes.
Although the visitors twice struck the woodwork in a bid to draw level, Sunderland, for whom Max Stryjek excelled in goal, held out for their second win of the season.
Defeat leaves Reading third, three points behind leaders Southampton, and level on points with second-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Sunderland are 12th with nine points.
See: Sunderland report