Wigan Athletic's resurgence under new manager Uwe Rosler continued at the Madejski Stadium with a 2-1 victory over Reading this afternoon.
Rosler took over the managerial duties with the club having lost their last six games on the bounce in all competitions, but the former Brentford boss has now led Wigan to back-to-back victories.
A second-half Pavel Pogrebnyak goal wasn't enough to overturn first-half strikes from Chris McCann and Nick Powell, as Wigan's charge up the table continued.
Coming into the game following victory last time out against Bolton, Wigan took the lead through McCann's left-foot finish after 10 minutes.
Just two minutes later, Manchester United loanee Powell doubled the visitors lead after converting Thomas Rogne's pass to continue his fine form this season.
Reading battled to get back into the game, and it looked as though that chance had come five minutes into the second half when Chris Gunter was felled in the box by goalscorer McCann.
Billy Sharp stepped up to take the spot kick, but fired the ball over the bar to the frustration of home supporters.
Reading put the disappointment behind them and continued to plug away, pulling a goal back just before the hour-mark through Pogrebnyak who converted Danny Guthrie's corner to give the Royal's a much needed lifeline.
It wasn't to be for Nigel Adkins and his side however, as Wigan held on for the three points to keep their playoff ambitions on track.
Despite the defeat, Reading remain in the top six but face a tricky test away at Leicester City next time out.
Daniel Lewis
