Adam Le Fondre came off the bench to fire Reading ever closer to the Barclays Premier League after a 3-1 win at promotion rivals Southampton.
The former Rotherham striker proved decisive after coming on in the 64th minute, netting twice to help the Royals to victory in an intense npower Championship match the hosts had edged.
Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici produced a string of superb saves to keep Saints at bay throughout and Jason Roberts headed the visitors ahead after 19 minutes.
Rickie Lambert levelled three minutes into the second half as Southampton continued to press, although the second tier's sternest defence eventually overcame its mightiest attack.
Le Fondre put Reading back ahead in the 72nd minute and ended any doubt over Reading's fifth successive league win in stoppage time.