Reading earned their second home win in four days as a battling Burton Albion were defeated 3-1 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Under 9,000 turned out in swirling rain and cold conditions in Berkshire, but hands were kept warm as a Chem Campbell brace and Sam Smith header did the damage for Ruben Selles' side.
The writing was on the wall as early as three minutes in when Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan cut in from the left and bent a powerful strike on target- it was to be a fruitful evening for those looking to score goals. Smith came close next, forcing Max Crocombe into action after Lewis Wing’s corner was recycled.
Dominating without the score showing it, it took 23 minutes for the deadlock to be broken first. Amadou Mbengue’s long throw was only half cleared and Ehibhatiomhan’s cut-back fell kindly to Campbell to power into the roof of the net to open his account for the club.
Wing nearly doubled the advantage from the edge of the area minutes later, and Ehibhatiomhan should have done even better shortly after as the front three drove at the heart of a back-tracking Brewers defence. Holding onto it for too long, the forward trod on the ball and saw a golden opportunity pass by.
The Royals need not worry, however, as the lead was deservedly doubled three minutes before the break. Dylan Williams was dispossessed on the edge of his box and Campbell bent past Crocombe for his brace.
As the supporters settled back for what they hoped would be another dominant display, it was not to be as the Royals huffed and puffed but failed to conjure the quality to carve the Brewers open. In turn, the visitors from the East Midlands battled hard and encouraged them to attack.
Smith should have killed the game on the hour mark after good work from Wing, but he could only side foot wide. David Button was forced into a good save from distance, with the follow-up headed over the bar from an offside position.
Never looking like recovering the game despite a stronger showing, Burton were eventually put to bed with eight minutes to go as Smith made it seven goals in seven matches against Burton from a corner.
The travelling 130 fans were given something to cheer as Danilo Orsi pulled a consolation back moments after the restart.
Mark Robinson's side continued to press for a second goal to keep the tie competitive but Reading saw out the remaining 10 minutes to keep positive momentum heading into Saturday's trip to Rotherham United.
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