Debutant Jonathan Stead and Jon Walters were on target as Ipswich secured a 2-0 Championship victory over Reading at Portman Road.

Ipswich nearly took the lead in the 21st minute when Pablo Counago headed against the underside of the crossbar following a teasing cross from Stead.

Walters then had a goal ruled out for offside before Counago hit the bar for a second time in the 42nd minute after beating goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann with a hooked shot.

Stephen Quinn went close for the hosts in the 62nd minute before they did take the lead seconds later when Stead curled home a left-footed shot from the edge the box, via the inside of the far post.

And Walters settled the home side's nerves four minutes from time with a bullet header past Marcus Hahnemann as Reading were caught on the break