Full-time: Reading 0 Bristol City 2. Revenge proved sweet indeed for City as they re-established their play-off credentials in fine style at the Madejski Stadium.

Humbled 4-1 by Reading at Ashton Gate four months ago, the revitalised Robins put the record straight in no uncertain terms to move back into the top six in the Coca-Cola Championship for the first time since September.

Recalled to the starting line-up after recovering from injury, Dele Adebola headed the visitors in front after 26 minutes.

And the outstanding Cole Skuse doubled the lead two minutes into the second half, bundling in his second goal of the season from close range to confirm City's superiority.

Chris Armstrong came closest to scoring for Reading when he hit a post early in the first half, but the home side lacked the wherewithal to break down a stubborn City defence and they finished well beaten.

Roared on by more than 4,100 Bristolians, Gary Johnson's team were further boosted by results elsewhere, leapfrogging Burnley, Sheffield United and Preston North End to move up to fourth in the table.

If Reading fans anticipated a quick restoration of parity, they were made to think twice as their side succumbed to a sucker punch within two minutes of the restart.

Lee Johnson lofted a free-kick into the mix and, when the home defence failed to deal with the danger, Fontaine twice had efforts cleared off the line before Skuse made sure from point-blank range to double the lead.

Under pressure to return to the Barclays Premier League at the first time of asking, Reading's players were visibly stunned. As for the visitors, they were enjoying every moment, backed as they were by a vociferous crowd which made it seem more like a home game.

When Adriano Basso proved equal to Leroy Lita's rising shot from just inside the penalty area, travelling supporters packed behind the goal simply turned up the volume.

Former City star Lita squandered an even better opening on the hour, leaning back and sending his shot over the target when opportunity came knocking from 15 yards out.

Reading boss Steve Coppell had seen enough and sought to breathe new life into his midfield, sending on Brynjar Gunnarsson and Marek Matejovsky for the ineffectual James Harper and Kalifa Cisse.

But it was to no avail. City continued to control the midfield battle, denying the Royals the chance to build any meaningful momentum.

In fact, it was the visitors who looked the more likely to score as the game entered it's closing stages and Michael McIndoe was off target with a venomous effort from range as City threatened a third goal.

Reading pushed men forward in search of a goal, but were unable to turn pressure into clear-cut chances.