Town were quick out of the blocks and led through Hoskins’ fifth goal of the season before Appéré doubled their advantage before half-time. The hosts came under the cosh in a tense second half but Pinnock’s stoppage-time strike made the points safe. Here are our player ratings from Sixfields...
9. Sam Hoskins
If you don't buy a ticket you can't win the raffle and his opportunism was rewarded when firing through Button's feeble attempted save on 10 minutes. Now has five for the season. He popped up all over the place and still had the energy to close down a defender in the 96th minute to create Pinnock's stoppage-time strike... 8.5 Photo: Pete Norton
10. Kieron Bowie
An absolute nuisance for Reading's defence throughout the first half. Carson couldn't handle him and there was no better example of the mismatch between the two when his power, strength and pace created the second goal. Fatigue played a part as he faded in the second half but didn't stop running until the tank had been emptied with 82 minutes on the clock... 8.5 Photo: Pete Norton
11. Louis Appéré
They say that 70% of the planet is covered by water. The rest is covered by Louis Appéré. A running machine up top as he led the press and constantly made runs down both sides and through the middle. Rewarded with a goal and an assist. Three goals is a good return at this stage, especially as he's only started five of Town's 10 league games. Stepping up a level looks to be suiting him... 9 CHRON STAR MAN Photo: Pete Norton
12. Manny Monthé
It's not easy to to step into the heat of battle with little warning after sitting on the bench but he did a fine job after Guthrie's injury. Dominated the physical battle when Reading went more direct in the closing stages... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton