A stunning strike from Mikele Leigertwood has put Reading on course to record their first Premier League win since May 2008.
© PA Photos
The Royals, who began the day 19th in the table, opened the scoring against Fulham on 26 minutes.
Leigertwood, who had not previously scored a top-flight goal in seven years, collected Jobi McAnuff's rolled pass and found the top corner from 20 yards with a first-time side-foot finish.
The Cottagers missed a gilt-edged chance to level five minutes before the interval, when Hugo Rodallega headed straight at Alex McCarthy from close range.