Reading are out of the FA Cup after a 3-1 defeat away to Sheffield Wednesday on Friday evening.
Dave Edwards missed an early chance before Atdhe Nuhiu bagged a brace and George Boyd put the hosts 3-0 up on the hour mark.
Substitute Sam Smith, making his return from injury, helped force home a consolation goal via goalkeeper Cameron Dawson but it was too little, too late as the Owls march into round five.
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Reading now face a huge Championship clash on Tuesday, away to Burton Albion, seeking a first league victory in nine attempts to try and haul themselves clear of the relegation zone.
READING: Jaakkola, McCleary (Barrow 66), Ilori, Moore, Gunter (c), Beerens, Bacuna (Evans 79), Edwards, Clement, Bodvarsson, Kermorgant (Smith 79).
Subs not used: Mannone, Blackett, Kelly, Aluko.
Goal: Dawson (OG) (87)
