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Three days after a disappointing late draw to 10 man Fulham, Reading finally gained their first win of the season against Aston Villa.
The win will come as a relief to Jaap Stam, whilst his Villa counterpart is now facing serious question about his future.
Reading had the better of the first half and were only denied the lead by Villa keeper Sam Johnstone. The Manchester United loanee spectacularly denied Adrian Popa twice in quick succession.
John Swift also went close after a dangerous run by Mo Barrow. Villa's best chance came early on when a Liam Kelly mistake allowed Andre Green through on goal but the striker couldn't capitalise.
That was to be the visitors only shot before the break and they also suffered a blow when they had to replace the injured Scott Hogan with former England international Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Villa's night got worse after halftime when Reading scored two goals in quick succession. The first goal saw goalline technology used for the first time at the Madejski Stadium, to show that Adrian Popa's cross had crossed the line after deflecting off the unfortunate Glenn Whelan.
The second goal came from a well worked corner, as Villa's defenders seemingly showed no interest in defending, resulting in Barrow tapping in from inside the six yard box. You will struggle to find a corner worse defended.
That should have been that, as Villa showed little threat, but Reading never really looked like getting a third.
The Royals were to regret that when Conor Hourihane grabbed a goal three minutes from time. The midfielder then saw a dangerous free kick blocked, as what should have been a comfortable win saw memories of Saturday's late disappointment to resurface.
This time though there was no self inflicted downfall and Reading got the three points they deserved.
Reading: Mannone; Gunter, McShane, Moore, Blackett; van den Berg (Evans 70'), Swift, Kelly; Barrow (Beerens 77'), Clement, Popa (McCleary 70'). Subs not used: Mendes, Bacuna, Ilori, Jaakkola.
Aston Villa: Johnstone; de Laet (Hutton 63'), Chester, Terry, Taylor; Bjarnason, Whelan, Hourihane; Green, Hogan (Agbonlahor 29'), Onomah (Adomah 77'). Subs not used: Samba, Lansbury, Steer, Bree.
Referee: Kevin Friend