Record signing George Puscas proved a thorn in the side after his half-time introduction and rattled the crossbar late on, but Jose Gomes' big-spending Royals were made to pay for a lacklustre start.

Superb Kamil Grosicki play and poor goalkeeping from Joao Virginia allowed Bowen to net after five minutes, with Hull's star turn soon providing a lovely cross for Irvine to head home.

New boy Joao hit the post in the first half and then found the net as Reading bossed the second half without managing to eke out a leveller.

It was a ragged end to a match that Hull had started so brightly, with Bowen notching after good work by Grosicki and some dodgy goalkeeping.

McCann's men saw penalty appeals for handball rejected as they kept their foot on the visitors' throat, adding a second in the 16th minute as Bowen cut back and flung over a fine cross that was met by a powerful Irvine header home.

Joao hit the post in a rare moment of danger soon after, but City were playing with confidence and cohesion going forwards. Daniel Batty was looking dangerous in midfield and the ever-impressive Bowen saw an audacious attempt from distance denied.

Reading brought record signing Puscas on for his debut at half-time, while Yakou Meite came close to getting a telling cross on the end of a fine John Swift cross.

The 23-year-old also saw penalty claims rejected and prodded wide in a lively start to the second period, which included tempers fraying when Andy Yiadom appeared to catch Irvine when competing for a header.  The Reading man got away with a booking.

Hull were now increasingly inviting on pressure and Joao reduced the deficit in the 66th minute by showing good composure before firing home. City were looking ragged and George Long did well to prevent Puscas levelling, with the goalkeeper producing another stunning stop unaware that the Romania international was offside.

Puscas rippled the side-netting as Reading continued to push for a leveller and the substitute rattled the crossbar from close range in the dying embers of the contest.

Bowen was easily the hosts' biggest threat and they just managed to see out the win.