James Harper snatched three precious points for Reading with a last minute goal in their Premiership clash against Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

Reading had taken the lead in the first half through Dave Kitson, but Wigan equalized through Marcus Bent. However Harper popped up to score with just a minute remaining before the final whistle to give Reading all three points that sees them move out of the relegation zone.

Reading started the match determined to come out of the poor form that has seen them lose four of their first six matches this season. And they made their intent clear when Liam Rosenior nearly opened the scoring but his shot was sensationally saved by Chris Kirkland.

Reading dominated the half and created a number of chances to score, but were unable to hit the target as Kitson and Michael Duberry went close to breaking the deadlock. The Wigan defense finally crumbled under the incessant attacks as Reading took the lead on the half hour mark.

Doyle controlled the ball before creating space for himself in front of the goal. However his shot lacked any power and should have been saved easily by Kirkland, but the keeper spilled the ball into the path of onrushing Kitson and the striker made no mistake from two yards out.

The goal jolted Wigan from their slumber and the visitors very nearly equalized just seconds after conceding the goal as Jason Koumas beat two defenders before he was fouled right on the edge of the area.

Though referee Keith Stroud had initially awarded a penalty, the decision was revised to a free kick following consultations with the linesman. This did not trouble Koumas as he curled a delightful ball towards that target that managed to beat Marcus Hahnemann but smashed against the bar.

Wigan pressed forward in search of the equalizer and were rewarded 5 minutes into the second half as Bent jumped high to meet Koumas' corner and thumped home a powerful header to bring Wigan back on level terms.

Wigan had two great chances to put the match beyond Reading's grasp as first Bent coiled up to shot, but was denied by a great last ditch tackle by Duberry while Julius Aghahowa managed to round up Hahnemann but lost his balance and hit his shot wide of an open goal.

With time running out, it looked as if both the teams will have to share the points before Harper latched on to a brilliant back pass by Kitson to slot home the winner in the final minute of the match.

The win sees Reading climb out of the relegation zone to 16th position with 7 points from 7 matches while Wigan sit in 12th position with 8 points from same number of matches.