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After three defeats on the trot Pardew dropped some of his established regulars in favour of some of the clubs lesser lights in the form of Nathan Tyson, Martin Butler and Sammy Igoe, all of who put in superb displays.
Pards admitted that he will be keeping the same line-up for Wednesday's clash with second-placed Leicester.
"I said to the guys in the dressing room that it is only fair that when you offer someone a chance, if they take it then they hold the shirt, so these guys who started today will start against Leicester. If Andy Hughes and Nicky Forster come back, they'll have to sit on the bench," said the boss, speaking to readingfc.co.uk.
A last minute strike from Jamie Cureton gave the Madejski Stadium outfit a thoroughly deserved 2-1 victory over Derby. Reading dominated the match against a side who had touted themselves as potential champions at the start of the season.
Pardew was particularly impressed by the performances of recent signing Steve Brown and Sammy Igoe, who has spent a long spell in the reserves.
"I thought Steve Brown played very well, but he was probably edged out by Sammy Igoe, who I thought was tremendous today.
"Steve Brown produced a top First Division display. I'm pleased for him because two games in three days just after arriving here is terrific and I think people will have seen what I mean when I compare him to Parky - diving in and winning headers and people's feet that's what he's all about."
The Derby game was Reading's last of 2002 - one of the most successful years in the club's 131-year history. Promotion to Division One seems a lifetime away now the Royals have set themselves on course to finish above thirteenth in the league and in doing so achieve the second highest finish in their history.
Reflecting on the past twelve months it is hard to have anything other than happy memories.
On the past twelve months Pardew commented: "In 2002 we've only suffered ten league defeats, and that is some achievement for a football club like ours. We have still got the best defensive record in the First Division and we are excelling ourselves.
"If we can have any sort of year like that in 2003 we'll be doing pretty well!"
Reading will hope to get 2003 off to the perfect start with a New Year's Day victory over Leicester City at the Madejski Stadium. The potentially lively encounter kicks off at 1pm.