Reading's woeful form continued with a six straight defeat as Bolton Wanderers registered their first away win of the season with a comfortable 2-0 victory on Saturday.

Kevin Nolan put Bolton in the lead after Matt Taylor missed his chance from the penalty spot. Reading were struggling to create any real chances in the first half and Heidar Helguson's headed goal five minutes into the second half put the result beyond Reading's reach.

The hosts started the match strongly, intent on putting an end to their five match losing streak. However Jussi Jaaskelainen was equal to the challenge and the Bolton keeper managed to snuff out Reading's attacking moves.

The visitors slowly assumed control of the match and should have had taken the lead in the 24th minute when Marek Matejovsky fouled Gretar Steinsson inside the penalty area and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. However Taylor's subsequent attempt was saved brilliantly by Marcus Hahnemann who dived low to his right.

Bolton took a deserved lead in the 33rd minute when Kevin Davies headed a long clearance by Jaaskelainen into Nolan's path who made no mistake in scoring his fifth goal of the season. The Bolton defense was put under intense pressure at the start of the second half and Ivan Campo almost scored an own goal from a corner but Danny Guthrie managed to clear off the line.

Bolton put themselves into a strong position in the 50th minute when Taylor found Helguson with a great pass and the Icelander poked the ball in from close range. Reading came close to scoring a goal through Nicky Shorey but his curling free kick was saved in style by Jaaskelainen as Bolton hung on to claim their first away win of the season.