Jason Roberts endeared himself to the Reading fans as his debut goal was enough to see off 10-man Bristol City 1-0 in the npower Championship, despite visiting goalkeeper David James saving two penalties.
Roberts, who arrived at the Madejski Stadium from Blackburn on Thursday, bundled home the rebound after James blocked his second-half spot-kick to put the Royals on course for three important points.
City defender Louis Carey saw red for the visitors after bringing the forward down in the area to hand Roberts the chance from the spot.
Albert Adomah struck a post for the guests in the aftermath of Roberts' strike, but that was as close as City came to getting themselves back into the match.
Jobi McAnuff also missed a late penalty to put gloss on the victory after Tomasz Cywka was felled in the box, while Reading missed a hatful of chances in front of goal over the 90 minutes, with Jem Karacan, Noel Hunt and Michail Antonio all at fault.
Elsewhere, Portsmouth claimed their first win at Peterborough in more than 50 years - 3-0 - to leapfrog their opponents in the Championship table.
A brace from Erik Huseklepp and a Jason Pearce header was enough to give Michael Appleton's side their first win in four matches.
Peterborough are now winless in five league games and are in danger of being sucked into a relegation battle.
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