Reading FC’s run of three League One wins in a row came to an end as they were beaten by Stockport County.
After going a goal behind, Chem Campbell levelled for the Royals before the hosts struck back twice before half-time.
Ruben Selles made four changes from Reading’s 1-0 win over Bristol Rovers which saw changes in attack as Adrian Akande, Jayden Wareham and Chem Campbell all started, while Sam Smith missed out on the squad through injury.
The home side went in front with 18 minutes on the clock when Will Collar latched onto Tyler Onyango’s pass and dispatched into the bottom corner.
Reading replied on the half hour mark through Chem Campbell.
After running onto a pass from Akande, Harvey Knibbs pulled the ball back for Campbell to apply the finishing touch from close range to get Reading level.
However, the Hatters restored their lead just three minutes later when they broke forward just moments after Wareham had a chance to put Reading in front as Wootton headed in at the back post.
The damage got worse before the break when Jack Diamond went down under pressure from Andre Garcia in the box and was awarded a penalty which was netted by Louie Barry.
Looking to change their fortunes in the second-half, Selles brought on Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan for Akande.
Two more changes came shortly after as Ben Elliott and Mamadi Camara replaced Charlie Savage and Campbell,.
Things got worse for the visitors when they conceded a fourth with more than 20 mins still left to play when Barry notched his second of the night.
The defeat sees Reading drop down to 9th in the table.
Next up they host League Two Fleetwood Town in the FA second round on Saturday.
Stockport: Addai, Onyango, Horsfall, Pye, Diamond, Bate, Collar, Touray, Fiorini, Wootton, Barry
Subs: Olaofe, Connolly, Fevrier, Hinchcliffe, Hughes, Norwood, Bailey
Reading: Pereira, Garcia, Bindon, Mbengue, Craig, Savage, Wing, Knibbs, Akande, Campbell, Wareham
Subs: Ahmed, Button, Camara, Dean, Ehibhatiomhan, Elliott, Tuma
Goals: Collar 18’, Campbell 30’, Wootton 33’, Barry 42’ (pen), 67’
