A stunning strike from Mikele Leigertwood has put Reading on course to record their first Premier League win since May 2008.
The Royals, who began the day 19th in the table, opened the scoring against Fulham on 26 minutes.
Leigertwood, who had not previously scored a top-flight goal in seven years, collected Jobi McAnuff's rolled pass and found the top corner from 20 yards with a first-time side-foot finish.
The Cottagers missed a gilt-edged chance to level five minutes before the interval, when Hugo Rodallega headed straight at Alex McCarthy from close range.
