A thumping victory against bottom placed Derby County failed to keep Reading in the Premiership as Steve Coppell's men were relegated to the Championship two seasons after gaining promotion.

Reading took an early lead through James Harper in the 15th minute before two goals in eight minutes by Dave Kitson and Kevin Doyle put the result beyond Derby's reach. With Portsmouth still holding Fulham to a draw, the Royals looked on course to avoid relegation and managed to find a fourth goal late in injury time through Leroy Lita though the Cottagers had managed to beat Portsmouth.

Reading were on the attack right from the kick off and were rewarded in the 15th minute when Harper raced forward to meet Kitson's pass before slotting the ball into the top corner of the net. The visitors continued to dominate the possession, capitalizing on some poor passes by Derby but were unable to add to their tally in spite of creating some good chances.

The second half continued in the same fashion with Derby struggling to put up a fight. Reading doubled the lead in the 61st minute when Lita latched on to a rebound after Carroll had saved Nicky Shorey's shot before passing it for Kitson to convert from close range.

The result was beyond Derby's reach eight minutes later as Doyle latched on to a poor clearance by the Derby defense before smashing it past Carroll. Reading scored a fourth in injury time when Lita headed home Stephen Hunt's cross from the right flank but it was too little too late as Fulham had already secured a victory against Portsmouth that condemned Reading to Championship football next season.