Reading all-but secured their League One status with a comfortable 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium.

Sam Smith and Lewis Wing both netted in a dominant and assured first half, while the defence came to the fore in the second period to repel a resurgent Gas outfit.

Starting as they wanted to go on, it took less than 10 minutes for the opening goal to end up in the back of Jed Ward’s net. Amadou Mbengue set up his trademark long throw and after Tyler Bindon gave it a helping hand into the six-yard box, Smith was jogging on the spot to nod it over the goal-line and into the net.

From that point on, it looked like there was to be only one winner. Despite not creating vast amounts of chances, Reading were in total control and gave Rovers the runaround on their own turf.

Wing tried to catch the hosts out from a quick free kick, and very nearly did as Harvey Knibbs received the ball in the box and lined up a shot which was deflected out for a corner, met with boos from the home faithful.

Another 10 minutes of smart possession and Rovers’ shadow-chasing followed until half-time stoppage time when Knibbs was hauled down on the edge of the box. Looking at the Gas’ sorry-looking wall, Wing stepped up and curled a powerful effort past Ward, nestling in the net before the keeper had a chance to try and stop the goal-bound effort on his line.

Yet more boos rung around the Mem as the two sides trotted off for their half-time orange segment, apart from the corner of travelling Royals supporters who had been treated to a dominant and efficient performance from their side.

Bristol Rovers must have been given a strong talking to at half-time by boss Matt Taylor and the triple substitution, which included former Royal Chris Martin, made a difference as the hosts made it a real contest.

Without a goal in six matches before kick-off, Anthony Evans’ long-range effort was met with the largest cheer of the night, even if it was an ironic one from the home supporters.

Reading could have killed the game within three minutes of the restart, Smith connecting with Azeez’s cross but forcing a good save out of Ward.

Martin headed wide following a good spell of possession for the Pirates and really should have halved the deficit through Scott Sinclair’s volley, only for Bindon to stoop low and head the goal-bound effort off the line. Wing tried his luck on a few occasions, as did Azeez, but they failed to match their impressive first-half levels.

Seeing out an important victory, the win lifts Reading nine points clear of the drop zone with a far superior goal difference. There are only three matches left, and nine points to earn, as the matches tick down toward official survival. Promotion-chasing Barnsley host Ruben Selles' side on Saturday in the penultimate away match of the campaign.