The Millers are now four points ahead of Millwall and a further six clear of Wigan Athletic in the league table, with just one game left to play this season.

Lee Frecklington of Rotherham celebrates his goal with team mates Matt Derbyshire during the Sky Bet Championship match between Rotherham United and Reading at The New York Stadium on April 28, 2015 © Getty Images

Danny Ward provided the first moment of danger from the hosts when he flashed an effort across the box that was just out of the reach of Matt Derbyshire.

Ward threatened again for the hosts with a strike from the edge of the box that took a deflection off Derbyshire and trickled wide of the post.

Reading had to wait until the half-hour mark for their first shot on goal, as Pavel Pogrebnyak's effort was pushed behind by Emiliano Martinez.

The hosts were struggling to fashion any clear chances on goal and Derbyshire failed to find the target once again when he lashed a volley high over the bar.

Simon Cox of Reading controls the ball from Jack Hunt of Rotherham during the Sky Bet Championship match between Rotherham United and Reading at The New York Stadium on April 28, 2015 © Getty Images

With a minute of the first half remaining, Lee Frecklington saw his effort tipped behind by Mikkel Andersen as the two teams headed into the break on level terms.

Rotherham made a strong start to the second half and they took the lead in the 52nd minute when Derbyshire arrived at the front post to turn in Ward's low cross.

The hosts doubled their lead six minutes later, as Ward delivered another teasing cross into the box that was tapped in at the back post by Frecklington.

With three minutes left to play Oliver Norwood fired a long-range effort past Martinez to pull a goal back for Reading, but they were unable to find an equaliser as the hosts held on to retain their Championship status and relegate Millwall and Wigan Athletic in the process.