READING enjoyed their first home win since December as they beat visiting Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday 2-0.
The home side had the better chances early on as Simon Cox and Gareth McCleary both went close.
The Royals took the lead after 20 minutes, after Stephen Kelly’s cross was met by a powerful header from Pavel Pogrebnyak.
The advantage was doubled as Nathaniel Chalobah scored on his home debut with a half volley.
The Owls so nearly cut the lead to one just before the break, but Adam Federici was able to tip Lewis Baker’s shot around the post.
Reading should have added a third goal on the hour, when Pogrebnyak was brought down by Jeremy Helan.
However, Hal Robson-Kanu’s tame effort from the penalty spot was easily saved by Kieren Westwood.
Royals boss Steve Clarke said: “We are working together to get better and it is going well.”
The victory over Sheffield Wednesday moved Reading up to 16th in the Championship and next they face Wolverhampton Wanderers away on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
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