It was over as a contest as early as the 9th minute with Reading 3 - 0 up. Half time was 4 - 0 before Burton pulled one back in the 59th minte.
Reading had the last laugh with David Mooney scoriong his 2nd in the 77th minute.
Burton started with 46 year old Kevin Poole in goals. The oldest registered player in the Football League. Poole played in the Premier League for Bolton 8 years ago when he was a sprightly 38.
Mooney opened the scoring in the 6th minute. Nicholas Bignall scored in the 7th and 9th minutes with Gylfi Sigurdsson netting on 26.
Jimmy Phillips got Burton's consolation before Mooney wrapped up the scoring.
Less than 6,000 were in the Madejski to see it.