Reading held on to a first-half advantage to record a narrow 2-1 win over Sean Dyche's Burnley outfit.
Nick Blackman opened the scoring for Reading after just five minutes for his eighth goal of the season.
On-loan Chelsea midfielder Lucas Piazon doubled the Royals' advantage at Turf Moor not long after, sidefooting past Tom Heaton from a Chris Gunter cross.
Jordan Obita ensured Reading's two-goal lead remained intact by throwing himself in front of Sam Vokes' 57th-minute effort.
The two-goal lead did not last much longer, however, as Tendayi Darikwa tapped a Scott Arfield cross past Jonathan Bond in the Reading goal.
Gareth McCleary attempted to restore Reading's clear advantage but Heaton was equal to the Jamaican international's effort.
Joey Barton, making his first appearance for Clarets since signing in the summer, was unable to help his new team to an equaliser.
Oliver Norwood was the man to seal Reading's win, acrobatically clearing a Michael Keane header off the line.
Steve Clarke's side move into third at the expense of Dyche's side, who fall to sixth in the Championship table.
Colm Hayes
