Reading took a huge step towards securing Championship safety with a stunning late victory against play-off chasing Sheffield United.
The Royals went ahead through Lucas Joao’s powerful strike but were pegged back by an Iliman Ndiaye equaliser with minutes remaining.
Late in added time, the visitors secured a crucial three points through Tom McIntyre’s strike.
Ince made two changes after the 2-1 defeat against Cardiff City last weekend with Ovie Ejaria coming in for the injured John Swift and Abdul Baba Rahman making his first start since February, replacing Junior Hoilett.
The hosts also made two changes following their 0-0 draw with Bournemouth last Saturday, with Ben Osborn and Conor Hourihane recalled to the starting 11.
Reading came into the game eight points above the drop zone and were looking to take another step to securing their place in the Championship for next season.
The home side dominated possession in the opening exchanges but were unable to create any clear-cut opportunities.
They could have been reduced to ten men after five minutes when Morgan Gibbs-White made a late high challenge on Ejaria, but he only received a yellow card.
Reading grew into the game and took the lead after 18 minutes.
Ejaria bypassed the Blades’ midfield with an intelligent pass to Josh Laurent who threaded the ball to Joao.
The striker allowed it to run across his body before hammering into the roof of the net past Wes Foderingham.
In midweek the Royals boss called on his team to remain brave if they took the lead and avoid inviting pressure.
The players seemed to take that on board as they pushed for a second.
Tom Ince’s effort from the edge of the box forced a good save out of Foderingham after 24 minutes and a few moments later Laurent shot into the side-netting from a tight-angle.
Reading came agonisingly close to a deserved second on 33 minutes when Ejaria intercepted a pass and fed it to Joao who turned inside the box but his shot clipped the outside of the post.
The hosts tried to force the issue but were reduced to long-range efforts as they struggled to penetrate a stubborn Royals defence.
The Blades continued to search for a leveller after the break but again couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Reading had appeals for a penalty waved away just before the hour mark as Ejaria appeared to get clipped in the area by George Baldock.
With 15 minutes to go the Royals were forced into their first change of the match as Femi Azeez replaced the goalscorer Joao.
Sheffield United continued to increase the pressure and Daniel Jebbison headed over after a cross was whipped in from the left.
The Blades had a golden opportunity moments later but John Egan’s free header was straight at Orjan Nyland.
As the clock ticked into additional time the home side finally found an equaliser. Reading couldn’t clear their lines and John Egan capitalised, setting up Iliman Ndiaye to level.
The game appeared to be heading for a draw, but with moments remaining Baba Rahman delivered a free-kick from deep in the Sheffield United half.
Michael Morrison won the initial header and McIntyre was the quickest to react, poking the ball into the net sending the travelling fans into pandemonium.
Reading are now nine points clear of the drop zone and return to action at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Monday, April 18, to face Swansea City.
Reading: Nyland, Yiadom, Morrison ©, Holmes, McIntyre, Baba Rahman, Laurent, Drinkwater, Ejaria, Ince, Joao
Subs: Southwood, Thomas, Barker, Dele-Bashiru, Hoilett, Azeez, Ehibhatiomhan
Sheffield United: Foderingham, Baldock, Uremovic, Egan©, Davies, Stevens, Norwood, Hourihane, Osborn, Gibbs-White, McBurnie
Subs:Davies, Robinson, Basham, Berge, Ndiaye, Jebbison, Norrington-Davies
Goals: Lucas Joao 17′, Iliman Ndiaye 90′, Tom McIntyre 90+2′
