The Royals were soon ahead, last season's top scorer Nicky Forster opening the scoring. City were level minutes later but Andy Hughes ensured that Reading went in at the interval ahead, his fizzing left foot drive crashing into the back of the net.
Oxford City were level shortly after the break, But Forster got his second and Reading's third after some good work from Andy Hughes. With just fifteen minutes remaining Fozzy's goal completed the scoting and wrapped up the victory.
Royals coach Brian McDerrmott told readingfc.co.uk "First 20 minutes we were excellent, passed it well, should have been two up after five minutes, then we had a little ragged spell where we gave the ball away too much but came good again just before half time. That's a fitness exercise for them really. It was nice to get all the kids on at the end and I thought they did really well."
McDerrmott went on to reveal that he was particuarly pleased with Nicky Forster's contribution: "That was good for Fozzy and I thought he looked really sharp and I thought he did well. I think all the lads and the fitness levels have been a credit to themselves. They've all come back really sharp and fit so it's good news."
Reading Line-Up: Whitehead (Young 45), Davies, Shorey (Earl 60), Williams (Castle 60), Viveash (Rifat 45), Watson (Boddy 60), Gamble (Boddy 60), Hughes (Christenson 75), Rougier (Bird 60), Forster (Boutone 75), Cureton (Soares 45)