This match was billed as a yardstick for Ipswich Town, to test their mettle against one of the Coca-Cola Championship heavyweights.

Early exit - striker Sam Parkin had to leave the field after 18 minutes following a knock to his ankle. (46414-4)

Joe Royle's side had been making steady progress and, had they given a decent account of themselves, it would have given a major indication of their promotion pedigree.

In the end, however, the gulf in class between the sides was blatantly apparent.

And, on the strength of this performance, Town still have a long way to go before they can include themselves in the same illustrious company as in-form Reading.

The honest reality is that the visitors won at a canter, without having to reach top gear.

They scored three goals, missed a string of other chances and were never threatened defensively.

The first goal came in the 28th minute. Bobby Convey's shot was deflected into the path of Kevin Doyle, after Jay McEveley had lost possession, and his effort was blocked by Sito. However, the ball dropped for the hugely-impressive Steve Sidwell, who tucked a close-range shot past Lewis Price.

The one-way flow continued after the break, and Lita soon made it 2-0. Doyle's cross from the left took a slight deflection into his path off Jason De Vos, and the striker directed his shot inside the far post.

Still Reading pressed and they applied the finishing touch with a third goal in the 77th minute. Ibrahima Sonko - a colossus in defence - headed on a corner, which was then flicked into the centre by Lita.

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Published Wednesday, November 23, 2005

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