It was a different style to what we have witnessed under Jose Gomes - and it worked a treat in Mark Bowen's first game in charge, writes Nicholas Tunney.

Preston were in town and came into the game in flying form, certainly a tough assignment for Bowen's opening match in the dugout.

The Royals have conceded early goals time and again this season, and the visitors definitely started the better.

However, Reading got to grips with Preston's style and Ovie Ejaria was the pick of the players in the first half.

Ejaria's languid style and confidence on the ball helped Reading get some element of control in the game and the Royals finished the first half stronger.

There were some other very good performances, most notably from Pele, who was enjoying his best game for the club.

What was most noticeable was the change in playing style. The formation and team was similar, but they played a lot more direct with Rafael kicking it out towards the strikers a lot more.

Bowen admitted in his pre-match press conference that he was aiming to get the ball to the strikers quicker and that was in evidence.

George Puscas and Yakou Meite worked tirelessly up front for the cause and certainly softened the Preston backline up.

The defence looked, overall, more solid than it has done for the majority for the season and Rafael had little to do in the Reading goal.

Preston resorted to timewasting after the hour mark, conscious that the Royals were growing in confidence.

The game looked to be meandering to a 0-0 draw but Jordan Obita's thunderbolt tested Declan Rudd and Matt Miazga finished expertly to send the Royals fans into raptures.

A win and a clean sheet, the perfect start for Bowen. The game wasn't easy on the eye most of the time but if the Royals continue to show that level of commitment, then they can definitely climb the table.