Jamie Mackie’s first-half goal gave rejuvenated QPR a third consecutive league victory.
Mackie, the hardworking Idrissa Sylla and the outstanding Pawel Wszolek led from the front in a tremendous display by a side barely recognisable from the one which lost six in a row prior to their recent winning run.
Mackie, back in action after his long injury lay-off, struck on 28 minutes at the Madejski Stadium.
Wszolek galloped down the right and the Pole’s low cross was nudged by Ryan Manning towards Mackie, who netted from close range.
The same trio combined a couple of minutes later to almost double the lead.
Wszolek, who linked up superbly with Darnell Furlong on the right, again found Manning and the youngster’s pull-back set up Mackie, who shot narrowly wide.
Mackie, who spent the 2014-15 season on loan at Reading, looked back to his relentless best, while Wszolek was unstoppable on the right.
The goal came shortly after third-placed Reading had a let-off when a stretching Sylla was unable to get his shot on target from a tricky angle after being found unmarked by Massimo Luongo.
Rangers continued to threaten after the interval, with Sylla and then Mackie just unable to connect with crosses from Wszolek.
Sylla and Mackie then saw efforts saved by keeper Ali Al-Habsi – with Wszolek, yet again, the provider on both occasions.
And when Jake Bidwell delivered a cross from the opposite flank, Sylla’s shot was deflected wide.
Reading rarely threatened but did go close to equalising when Yann Kermorgant headed Garath McCleary’s cross against the bar and later headed inches wide.
QPR: Smithies, Furlong, Onuoha, Lynch, Bidwell, Wszolek, Hall, Luongo, Manning (Doughty 85), Mackie (Comley 90), Sylla (LuaLua 73).
Subs not used: Ingram, Ngbakoto, Shodipo, El Khayati.
This post was last modified on 12/01/2017