Femi Azeez gave the Royals a first-half lead, one which Daniel Johnson cancelled out with a penalty after an hour.
Within eight minutes though, Reading regained the lead through John Swift.
A late bombardment from North End couldn't bring about an equaliser, substitutes Brad Potts and Ben Whiteman both denied by fine saves from home keeper Rafael Cabral in stoppage-time.
Here are the PNE player ratings from the Championship clash.
A late bombardment from North End couldn't bring about an equaliser, substitutes Brad Potts and Ben Whiteman both denied by fine saves from home keeper Rafael Cabral in stoppage-time.