The Royals dominated much of the first half but created little, with skipper Lewis Wing even squandering a 32nd-minute penalty.

Paddy Lane made the breakthrough in the 52nd minute, the hosts then holding on to rise to sixth place – above Oxford and  Sheffield Wednesday on goal difference.

Neither side impressed during the dull opening exchanges but Royals, still without injured eight-goal top scorer Jack Marriott, at least showed some intent going forward.

Nothing came of it, though, and Orient almost went in front when home keeper Joel Pereira had to make a superb double save to deny Fin Stevens and Dane Scarlett.

Reading were awarded a penalty straight after, when Udoka Godwin-Malife was brought down by James Morris, but Wing’s tame effort was comfortably saved by Orient keeper Nathan Baxter.

It was Wing’s second spot-kick miss this season.

Morris and Aaron Connolly wasted openings for the visitors early in the second period before Wing released Lane to beat Baxter with a fiercely struck drive from a tight angle.

Orient rallied late on in search of an equaliser but Connolly lobbed wide of an empty net after a sloppy pass from Pereira had gifted the ball to him.