Reading have strengthened their chances of making the Championship playoffs by claiming a 4-2 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road.

Royston Drenthe came close to giving the home side the lead when his corner beat Jack Butland, but was headed off the line by Sam Byram.

In the 25th minute Reading opened the scoring, as Garath McCleary capitalised on a poor backpass from Jason Pearce to reach the ball before Butland and slot into an empty net.

Rodolph Austin had a sight of goal for the hosts when he was picked out by Danny Pugh in the box, but could only place his header over the bar.

Alex Pearce came close to scoring a second for the visitors minutes before the break when he met Drenthe's corner at the near post, but headed the ball into the side-netting.

At the start of the second half, Reading doubled their lead as Drenthe fired a free kick past Butland and into the top corner of the net.

Nick Blackman scored a third goal for the away side two minutes later, when he latched on to Danny Guthrie's free kick to head in at the back post.

Reading further extended their lead in the 54th minute through Hal Robson-Kanu, who burst past the defence before firing into the top corner.

Matt Smith pulled a goal back for the home side in the 63rd minute when he met Jason Pearce's header across goal to poke home from close range and they scored a second a minute later courtesy of a long-range effort from Austin.

The home side pushed for a third with Ross McCormack firing wide and Austin seeing a low drive saved by Alex McCarthy, but Reading held on to claim the three points.