Goals from Damien Francis and substitute Alex Tapp clinched three deserved points for Wimbledon in their clash with promotion hopefuls Reading at Selhurst Park.

The Dons slumped to a 4-0 defeat against high-flying Leicester in their last league encounter, but they showed grit, determination and a touch of class to overcome the Royals.

Reading launched an early raid on the Wimbledon goal when John Salako's deep cross was headed narrowly over the crossbar by James Harper.

Wimbledon responded with a quick counter-attack which resulted in Lionel Morgan drilling a 30-yard effort over the crossbar.

The hosts should then have taken the lead two minutes later when Neil Shipperley connected with a header from six yards, but Marcus Hahnemann was in the right place to safely gather the ball.

Wayne Gray fired an 18-yard effort wide moments later but Wimbledon deservedly went ahead in the 30th minute thanks to Francis.

Gareth Ainsworth found his team-mate with a long pass and Francis drilled home a shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Reading looked much sharper at the start of the second half and Nicky Forster forced a fine save from Kelvin Davis.

But Wimbledon always looked a threat on the break and the powerful Shipperley was denied by Hahnemann in the 53rd minute before directing a header narrowly wide minutes later. He then watched helplessly as his 20-yard free-kick came back off the woodwork.

Reading, to their credit, tried to bounce back and Darius Henderson forced a fine save from Davis before the keeper was forced into action again moments later to tip Forster's effort round the post.

Salako tried his luck in the 78th minute but Davis was equal to the former Crystal Palace man's 25-yard strike.

However, Wimbledon killed off the game as a contest in the 85th minute. Jermaine Darlington set up Tapp who crashed the ball into the bottom left corner from 20 yards.

Teams

Wimbledon: Davis, Ainsworth, Hawkins, Williams, Volz, Reo-Coker (Darlington 80), Andersen, Francis, Morgan (Tapp 63), Shipperley, Gray (Agyemang 83).

Subs Not Used: Gier, Gore.

Goals: Francis 31, Tapp 85.

Reading: Hahnemann, Murty, Brown (Mackie 18), Williams, Shorey, Chadwick (Henderson 45), Harper, Hughes, Sidwell (Tyson 75), Salako, Forster.

Subs Not Used: Watson, Ashdown.

Att: 3,869

Ref: T Parkes (W Midlands).