Birmingham City 0-2 Reading
- Published
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson's goal was his first since signing for Reading from Wolves in July
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and George Evans gave Reading their first away win of the season at Birmingham.
Blues keeper David Stockdale saved well from Tyler Blackett, while Royals counterpart Vito Mannone pushed Cohen Bramall's stinging shot wide.
Liam Kelly drew another save from Stockdale, before Bodvarsson headed Reading in front from Blackett's cross.
Evans secured the three points late on, placing a shot past Stockdale after running onto Garath McCleary's pass.
Jacques Maghoma had a chance to reduce the deficit to one goal in added time, but his shot was blocked by Liam Moore.
Reading's second consecutive victory at St Andrew's, for the first time in the club's history, ended Birmingham's three-match unbeaten home run.
Harry Redknapp's side struggled to earn time in possession and were wasteful when they did get hold of the ball, only two of their 14 shots testing Mannone.
On-loan full-back Carl Jenkinson was also taken off injured on a difficult afternoon for the hosts following treatment on his shoulder, to be replaced by Emilio Nsue.
Birmingham City manager Harry Redknapp:
"To be honest, we have been outplayed in every game. But this was not the team I wanted to play. It has been difficult as I've discovered.
"We have struggled to bring in players in certain areas of the side. And it doesn't help when you lose young Carl Jenkinson, who has dislocated his shoulder and will be out for a long time.
"This is why I need to bring in new players. I've asked for certain people who would have brought in the experience and quality we require.
"Unfortunately we have not been able to get them over the line. I've been chasing Stuart Downing from Middlesbrough for four months without any success."
Reading manager Jaap Stam:
"The substitutions paid off with us scoring the second goal which was a relief.
"We defended very well. Everyone was together, very committed and determined.
"I was very happy with the way we played in possession and the big contribution made by the substitutes, in particular Evans in scoring the second goal."