A Jason Roberts strike sent Reading up to third in the Championship standings after a 1-0 win over Burnley at Madejski Stadium.
Roberts, a January signing from Blackburn Rovers, scored his third goal in four matches as Brian McDermott’s side recorded a fourth consecutive win.
Burnley produced a spirited fightback after Roberts’ 11th-minute strike, with strikers Charlie Austin and Jay Rodriguez both hitting the woodwork.
Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici also made several clutch saves in the second half to deny the visitors an equaliser.
Reading are two points off Southampton in the second automatic promotion place, and a further point in arrears of league-leaders West Ham United.
Burnley sit in 10th after a second defeat in three matches.
