Sheffield Wednesday 0, Reading 2: Yann Kermorgant strikes it lucky in 13th minute and Adrian Popa wraps up Royals win

READING rubber-stamped their Championship play-off credentials thanks to Yann Kermorgant's early strike and a late goal from Adrian Popa at Hillsborough.

Kermorgant fired the Royals into the lead with a 13th minute left-footer after seizing on to the chance provided by John Swift.

Both Jordan Rhodes (twice) and Sam Winnall had seen their first half efforts well saved by visiting keeper Ali Al-Habsi, while Adam Reach also went close for Wednesday.

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After the break Barry Bannan set up Rhodes for a 54th minute shot that went just wide as the Owls pressed hard for the equaliser.

Reading's Roy Beerens blasted high and wide before another Bannan assist saw Al-Habsi save a Rhodes header.

Wednesday, looking to consolidate their own play-off chances, brought on former Wolves and Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher for Winnall to boost their attack in the 78th minute.

Possession remained very even with neither side able to gain any real initiative in front of a terrific Friday night crowd of 26,072.

Garath McCleary saw his 79th minute shot from outside the box blocked and then Wednesday forced an amazing FIVE corners in quick succession but were still unable to break through.

Reach did manage a right-footer that was soaked up by the gallant visitors' defence.

But Popa had the last say with a cracking left-footer into the bottom corner.

Victory pushed Reading up into fourth place in the table on 67 points, with Wednesday remaining sixth on 62.