Ched Evans was the hero on the night, his two goals proving to be the difference after Lucas Joao had initially levelled things up from the penalty spot.
The win sent PNE up to fifth in the table, dropping only one place after the rest of the division caught up with their games on Saturday, the first time in Ryan Lowe’s reign that the Lilywhites have been in the top six.
Here’s how we rated the players on the night…
5. Brad Potts - 7
A really good shift from the wing back who was PNE's brighter players in the first half, got through plenty of running as is expected with him. Photo: CameraSport - David Horton
6. Ryan Ledson - 7
Kept things ticking well in the middle of midfield despite North End lacking quality for half of the game. Important in breaking up Reading's attacks and often stopping them before they could really begin. Photo: CameraSport - David Horton
7. Alan Browne - 7
Looks much more like the Alan Browne we have come to enjoy playing for PNE, strong on and off the ball and carries it at important times too which helps drive his side forward. Photo: CameraSport - David Horton
8. Daniel Johnson - 5
It's a shame that again it just didn't work out for Johnson, who seemed off his game still. There is still a quality player in there and like Browne he may soon find form again. Photo: CameraSport - David Horton