The winger - who left Reading in August 2012 - broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, before doubling his own tally and Nottingham Forest's lead shortly after the break.

Goals from Matty Fryatt and Britt Assombalonga in the 53rd and 64th minute respectively killed the game off as Reading suffered their second defeat in straight succession.

Nigel Adkins had made two changes from his side that fell to a 2-1 loss at home to Huddersfield Town on Tuesday.

One was enforced as Pavel Pogrebnyak was ruled out with a calf-injury, whilst Hope Akpan was dropped to the bench for the clash with the league leaders.

Ryan Edwards replaced Pogrebnyak, whilst Tuesday's impressive cameo from Aaron Kuhl earnt him a starting spot in centre-midfield.

Royals started brightly but failed to really test Karl Darlow in the hosts goal, and they fell behind 17 minutes in as growing pressure from Forest finally paid dividends.

Chris Burke advanced down the right-hand side and crossed for Antonio to head home via the crossbar.

Simon Cox and Kuhl had chances to draw the visitors level in the first-half but neither could find the target.

And they were made to pay just two minutes into the second-half when Antonio grabbed his second goal of the game, Jack Hunt delivered a deep cross and Antonio poked a leg at it to squeeze the ball past Adam Federici in the Royals goal.

It was a nightmare start to the half for Adkins' men and it got worse six minutes later when Fryatt sealed the game and ensured the hosts would stay at the top of the table.

Antonio turned provider this time as he drove at the Royals defence and crossed for Fryatt who fired home to put the City Ground in party mode.

And it was four soon after and it was a poor goal to concede from Reading's point of view.

A goalmouth scramble ensured following a corner and the Royals failed to clear their lines accordingly, allowing Assomobolonga to fire home from inside the six-yard box to wrap up the win.

Reading's best chance came late on when Cox fed Nick Blackman but his shot was well saved by Darlow to deny the Royals a consolation goal.

The defeat leaves Reading 19th in the table after four games.