Pavel Pogrebnyak made his Reading debut as the Royals lost 2-0 draw to newly-promoted Sheffield Wednesday this evening.
The Russian hitman signed on at the Madjeski Stadium last month and was used as a second-half substitute by Brian McDermott at Hillsborough.
He was unable to open his Reading account at the first attempt as the Premier League new boys were beaten by their Championship opposition.
Mike Jones opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time, cutting in from the left before shooting across Mikkel Andersen.
Nicky Shorey had earlier struck the woodwork as Reading showed their superiority by dominating the first half.
After falling behind, Reading pushed for an equaliser in the second period and Adam le Fondre did find the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Le Fondre went close again but dragged his shot wide before Jobi McAnuff had a fine shot saved well by Owls keeper Stephen Bywater.
Wednesday then secured a surprise victory with a second goal on the counter attack in stoppage time.