READING were hit for six by Birmingham City in the Championship at St Andrew’s as they lost 6-1.
The home side’s hero was Demarai Gray, as he hit a hat-trick in the first 45 minutes.
However, it was Paul Caddis who got the ball rolling after being set-up by Jonathan Ground in the fourth minute.
Soon after, Gray opened his account with a shot from the edge of the area, before Glenn Murray headed home for Reading.
The Royals did have a number of chances, but it was the ruthless Birmingham finishing which won the day.
Gray made it 3-1 with a nice solo run and completed his hat-trick with a neat finish from a David Davis pass.
Just a minute after the restart, Andrew Skinnie cut inside from the right and fired past Adam Federici.
David Cotterill's lovely free-kick on the hour mark completed the rout.
Under-fire Reading manager Nigel Adkins said: “It was close in terms of the game, but it was not in terms of the scoreline.”
The Royals next game is at home to Watford on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here