Long makes Royal entrance to down Toon

Michael Duberry's own goal had earlier cancelled out Dave Kitson's opener.

But Reading boss Steve Coppell's decision to replace Leroy Lita with the young Irishman paid instant dividends.

In the 12th minute Kevin Doyle, pushed to the right wing to make way for Lita's return, bulldozed his way into the box and crossed to find his team-mate in front of goal. Just a touch was needed to beat Shay Given, but Lita missed his kick.

A second glaring miss came just before the break and was a sad end to the best move of the half. Stephen Hunt cleared a Newcastle corner, Lita headed it on to send Doyle charging up field and, after the Irishman had done well to get in a cross, Hunt's simple ball in the box gave Lita a clear sight of the posts again. This time he connected powerfully but the ball rocketed over.

More confusion from the visitors saw Claudio Cacapa hit his pass beyond Given but the keeper was able to recover before the ball crossed the line. The half ended with England defender Nicky Shorey firing a free-kick over.

Reading took the lead in the 52nd minute when Hunt's ball into the box from the left went through Lita's legs and Dan Kitson was on hand to score.

Geremi fired a long-range effort harmlessly wide before Abdoulaye Faye was booked for hacking Lita down.

Emre swung the free-kick to the near post, where Alan Smith flicked it on across the box and Duberry chested into his own net.

Seconds after coming on Long touched the ball past Given and hooked the ball into the net for the winner.