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Butler 41, Salako 69, Forster 78
Attendance: 675
Nicky Forster netted his first goal of the new campaign as Reading racked up another pre-season win.
The Royals, who played a number of academy players, showed some impressive play as they easily overcame Didcot Town, the day after the game against Bournemouth.
But the encounter, as far as Reading were concerned, was all about one man. Trialist Marc Edworthy made his Reading debut and did plenty to impress Alan Pardew as he attempts to earn a contract at the Madejski Stadium.
The home side dominated the early proceedings in front of a bumper crowd at the Loop Meadow Stadium, showing some Bournemouth-esque possession play in the opening ten minutes as Reading struggled to find their rhythm.
However, the Royals superior ability eventually began to show. Joe Gamble was presented with the first chance of the night but the Irishman, who is to spend the season on loan at Barnet, fired his long ranger over the bar.
Academy youngster Mario Noto had the chance to give the visitors the lead shortly afterwards but his effort was well resisted by the Didcot 'keeper.
Reading battered and battered and eventually the Railwaymen's door was blown down. Martin Butler flicked the coolest of headers past McLoghlin to give Pardew's side a deserved lead on the stroke of half time.
Despite a defensive scare early in the second half Reading continued to dominate the game, but had to wait to double their advantage. Martin Butler so nearly got the elusive second goal early in the second half but his header clipped the inside of the post and came out.
Butler, who has only played a bit part role in pre-season proceedings, looks on course for another season of reserve team football having failed to rediscover his magic touch that made him a huge fans favourite two years ago.
It was Salako, who played the full ninety minutes, who doubled the advantage with twenty minutes of the game remaining. The ex-England international was left with the simplest of tap ins following a confrontation between Bas Savage and sub goalkeeper Tassle.
Savage is something of a veteran of non-league football having formerly played for Walton & Hersham. The sprightly forward showed some impressive touches in setting up the first two goals.
Reading added a third shortly afterwards following some clever play by Joe Gamble. Forster, who is still feeling his way back from injury, was delighted to have his name on the scoresheet again.
With the Royals pushing themselves further and further out in front, many began to expect a cricket score. But with no England bowlers at the crease Reading were unable to pile on the goals in the way that South Africa pile on the runs.
The game had one goal left in it and that came from the home side. Didcot scored a well-deserved consolation in the last minute of the match. Defender Andy Cooper, a distribution manager during the day, slotted a cool shot past Jamie Ashdown having twisted free of Reading's defenders.
With a win over lowly opposition, the Royals now have bigger fish to fry in FA Cup Finalists Southampton when they visit the Madejski Stadium on Friday.
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Reading Line-Up: Ashdown, Davies (Harper 70), Middleton (Rifat 60), Edworthy, Castle, Watson (Sidwell 60), Gamble, Noto (Tyson 65), Salako, Butler (Henderson 70), Savage (Forster 75)