The victory in the top-of-the-table clash at St Mary's Stadium was Reading's 14th from 16 matches as Brian McDermott's side usurped nearest rivals Southampton to claim a three-point lead atop the standings.

A late brace from substitute Adam Le Fondre secured the points for the visitors, who led 1-0 at half-time thanks to Jason Roberts' header on 19 minutes, before Rickie Lambert levelled three minutes after the interval.
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Federici had to be on hand to make a string of excellent saves as the Saints threw everything at Reading's defensive wall, and his efforts proved more than whorthwhile as Le Fondre struck his first with 18 minutes remaining, meeting Kebe's square pass across the box with an arrowed strike that found the top corner of the goal.

The diminutive striker sealed the three points in stoppage time as Southampton pressed for an equaliser, pouncing on Jose Fonte's failed clearance before rounding Kelvin Davis and finishing into the vacant goal.

McDermott applauded the efforts of his players afterwards.

"That was a big performance. They're a good side Southampton who played really well and we had to stay in the game, which we did," he told Sky Sports.

"What's important for me is the next game against Nottingham Forest, it's the only thing that's important, it's the only thing that matters.

"And Alfie's (Le Fondre) come on again and he's made the difference with the finishes - that's top-drawer finishes both goals.

"So we're absolutely delighted for everyone today."