Two sides looking to move into the Championship's top six met at Pride Park this afternoon as Reading travelled to Derby County.
After a goalless first half that Derby dominated, it was Reading who ran the show in the second 45 minutes, scoring three goals to Derby's one to grab the points.
Pavel Pogrebnyak put the Royals ahead with a scruffy effort before doubling his and the visitors' total with an assured finish following Johnny Russell's poor clearance.
Will Hughes curled home Derby's goal with 10 minutes on the clock but the Rams could not mount a comeback as Nick Blackman sealed the win in stoppage time on the break.
Below, Sports Mole picks the bones out of yet another home defeat for Nigel Clough's side.
Match statistics:
Derby:
Shots 15
On target 8
Possession 57%
Corners 8
Fouls 12
Reading:
Shots 11
On target 5
Possession 43%
Corners 5
Fouls 11
Was the result fair?
3-1 makes it look more comfortable than it was, but Reading probably can say that they deserved the win. Perhaps Derby should have been in front at half time but the majority of their shots came from distance. In the end, Nigel Adkins's side were simply more clinical.
Derby's performance
A slow start from the Rams but they were soon into their stride and all over Reading for the period between 15 and 45 minutes. Strikers Johnny Russell and Chris Martin did not offer much as those in midfield - Jamie Ward and Will Hughes - threatened more by shooting at will. After the break it was completely different as Reading went ahead almost straight away, with slack Derby defending on show for both of Pogrebnyak's goals.
Reading's performance
Not that impressive from Adkins's men but exactly what you want away from home, pretty solid at the back and efficient up front. McCarthy's hands were tested on regular occasions and he made no gaffes under all the pressure.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Garath McCleary: Pogrebnyak will win this for most because of his brace but both goals were fairly simple. Winger McCleary was the star for Reading as he regularly beat Craig Forsyth and sent in dangerous crosses from the right.
Biggest gaffe
Goes to Russell for making a hash of a clearance that gifted Pogrebnyak with the chance to double the lead.
Referee performance
Tim Robinson had little to do throughout the match with no contentious penalty decisions and tackling at a fairly timid level.
What next?
Derby: Next up for the Rams is a League Cup match against Leicester City on Tuesday before another East Midlands derby against Forest on Saturday.
Reading: The Royals, meanwhile, host Birmingham City in a week's time.
Pascal Lemesre
