So having to wait until 90+ minutes didn't matter when Shane Long's penalty hit the back of the net.
Long had scored earlier in the game before Carl Fletcher looked to have earned Plymouth a point.
But the late drama kept all the points at the Madejski and saw Reading move to within a point of the safe zone. For Plymouth things are bleak and they are in danger, along with Peterborough (who lost at Cardiff), of already filling two of the three relegation places.
The Royals get a break from league action now and face West Brom in the FA Cup for a place in the last 8. KIck off is at 3:00 on Saturday.