The visitors took the lead in the 10th minute when Danny Williams ghosted into the penalty area before accurately heading Adam Le Fondre's cross into the corner.

Reading's lead lasted just 10 minutes as one of their former players, Kevin Doyle, levelled the match with a scruffy goal after the Royals had failed to clear their lines.

The sides went in level at the break, but Reading were back in front in the 56th minute when Alex Pearce headed home from just a couple of yards.

Moments later it was three when Garath McCleary pinged a long-ranger into the top corner.

Kaspars Gorkss was shown a straight red card for Reading 20 minutes before the end, but they managed to hold on for three points that cemented their place in the Championship's top six.

Below, Sports Mole takes a closer look at an end-to-end game in West London.

Match statistics

QPR
Shots: 16
On target: 6
Possession: 59%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 16

Reading
Shots: 6
On target: 4
Possession: 41%
Corners: 10
Fouls: 18

Was the result fair?

Although the above stats suggest that QPR were the dominant side, it actually felt like a fairly even game and Reading delivered a near-perfect away performance. Both sides had their spells on top, but the Royals took their chances well and deservedly make the short trip out of London back to Berkshire with the points.

QPR's performance

It was a sluggish start from Harry Redknapp's side but they surged back into the game after going behind early. Doyle's goal was one of a few chances that they had midway through the first half. They could only take one of them and from then on it was a hard slog for them. Clint Hill has been excellent in defence for most of the season but will be ever so disappointed to have been foxed by Pearce's clever run that gave him a free header to restore their advantage. Benoit Assou-Ekotto could perhaps be criticised for allowing McClearly too much room for the third, but take nothing away from the Reading man. Redknapp also won't be pleased with the attitude of some of his players today. Four of them were booked and Joey Barton will now miss the next two games after his 10th yellow of the season.

Reading's performance

Surely one of the Royals' best performances this season, especially after last week's lacklustre defeat at home to Sheffield Wednesday. Today Reading were on top of their game and clinical in front of goal. QPR's starting midfield was a very attack-minded one and Williams was excellent at getting behind them and finding space. Up front, the partnership of Le Fondre and Pavel Pogrebnyak is flourishing and their contrasting styles of poacher and target man make for a mean combination. Although neither found the net today, they caused QPR plenty of problems. The goal conceded was certainly avoidable from a defensive point of view, but Adkins won't mind too much as it was an excellent display from his men. As for the sending-off, Adkins conceded in his post-match interview that it was a stupid decision from Gorkss to lunge in on Junior Hoilett.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Alex Pearce: It doesn't sound like Adkins will appeal against Gorkss's sending-off, but he will be glad that he did with Pearce, who would have missed today's game if his red card against Wednesday had been upheld. The centre-back won most of his aerial battles and completely fooled Hill with his run for the second goal.

Biggest gaffe

He may have scored against his former club, but Doyle also missed a golden opportunity to half the deficit soon after McClearly's wonder-strike. Hoilett's cross deflected up into the air and looped over Alex McCarthy, but somehow Doyle couldn't get a touch on the ball at the back post.

Referee performance

It was a busy afternoon for David Coote but overall he was excellent, correctly booking several players and judging most decisions fairly.

What next?

QPR: QPR are now winless in three games but will fancy themselves against lowly Charlton Athletic in next Saturday's London derby.

Reading: The Royals, meanwhile, next host Blackburn Rovers in six days' time.