READING FC suffered their first defeat in seven matches at the hands of a slick Huddersfield Town.

A convincing defeat at John Smith's Stadium was not what Brian McDermott will have wanted ahead of Friday night's FA Cup quarter final against Crystal Palace.

But after changing more than half his team for the long Tuesday night trip, it is clear where his priorities lie.

Terriers deserved their victory in the fourth meeting between the sides this season including two 2-2 draws in league and FA Cup and Royals' 5-2 win in the Madejski Stadium third-round replay.

But McDermott's makeshift side were second best for most of the night against David Wagner's hosts, who went 3-0 up through Nahki Well, Jamie Paterson and Florent Bojaj before Ola John's superb solo effort pulled one back.

McDermott's half-a-dozen changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Fulham on Saturday saw Andrew Taylor, George Evans, Deniss Rakels, Garath McCleary, Lucas Piazon and a fit-again Danny Williams all brought in.

Academy players Niall Keown, Josh Barrett and Jack Stacey were named on the bench.

Yann Kermorgant, cup tied this Firday, saw an 11th minute goal scrubbed out for offside after the Frenchman polished off Williams' initial shot.

But Joe Lolley and Mark Hudson had already threatened for the home side in an evenly-fought opening. However, after a spell of little goalmouth action, Royals almost went behind with 28 minutes on the clock.

Wells' pace took Hector by surprise, but he couldn't beat Al Habsi with only the keeper to beat.

Chances were few and far between and Reading were often guilty of giving the ball away, forcing Hector to make several crucial tackles and interceptions.

But they were lucky to go in on level terms when Wells was once again thwarted by Al Habsi.

This time the Oman stopper dived low to his left to deny the Huddersfield man on the stroke of half time.

But there was no saving Royals six minutes after the interval - and they only had themselves to blame after a catalogue of errors.

Firstly, McCleary's poor free-kick allowed Terriers to clear their lines and relieve the pressure.

Then Taylor horribly miscued his back-pass and Wells rounded Al Habsi before rolling the ball into an empty net for his 15th of the season.

Wells clearly relishes facing the Royals, with four goals in his last five games against the club who once tried to sign him.

Reading offered a brief response when Cooper sent a long-range header narrowly wide from McCleary's cross.

But they fell further behind on the hour when Paterson doubled Huddersfield's lead.

Sean Scannell had only been on for a minute when he linked up with Wells and put the ball on a plate for Paterson to tap in from close range.

McDermott had made his first change moments earlier by sacrificing Evans for John.

Penalty claims at both ends followed then tempers frayed when Cooper clattered Paterson.

A deflected shot from another Royals substitute Simon Cox on 71 minutes threatened to reduce the deficit, but Wells should have scored Terriers' third when he headed wide from Paterson's centre.

The Terriers striker was also denied from the edge of the box by a brilliant Al Habsi save after Kyle Dempsey's pass had set him free.

At least there was something for the travelling fans to remember when Under 18s midfielder Barrett made his debut with six minutes to go by replacing Chris Gunter.

But there was little to smile about their team's defending when Terriers sub Bojaj was left free at the back post to score from a few yards out from a Dean Whitehead assist.

It was the Huddersfield U21 captain's first professional goal and it capped a fine night's work for Wagner's side.

It also rendered a stunning 30-yard strike from John in the third minute of injury time of little consolation.

It was the Dutchman's third of the campaign and, with Reading nursing injuries to several attacking players, it could be enough for a start in the big one against Palace.

As for Reading, the hard work to prepare for Friday night starts now.