An early opportunity came the Royals’ way in the opening exchanges, with Jeriel Dorsett unable to get a touch on the ball at the back post to convert from close-range.
The best chance of the first half came through Karoy Anderson – who saw a well-hit side-footed attempt tipped just over the bar by Joel Pereira.
Blocks from both Hayden Coulson and James Husband were required to keep Reading out in the closing stages before the break, but there was nothing for Franco Ravizzoli to deal with directly in goal.
Meanwhile, Taylor was denied once again by Pereira, with no flag going up on this occasion after a ball through from Jordan Brown.
Action following the restart proved to be limited once again. In fact the first notable moment of the second half was the goal in the 74th minute.
CJ Hamilton worked his way inside from the right side, before releasing a thunderous effort from distance into the top corner.
Substitute Joel Randall almost quickly doubled the lead, but was denied by Pereira from close-range.
Here’s how the Seasiders performed:
1. How did the Seasiders perform?
Blackpool took on Reading at the Select Cars Leasing Stadium. Photo: Gareth Evans
2. Franco Ravizzoli - 6
There was very little for Franco Ravizzoli to deal with, with the goalkeeper rarely seeing the ball. Photo: Gareth Evans
3. Reuell Walters - 7
It looked as if Reuell Walters had the handbrake off a little bit, with some bursting runs forward alongside his defensive efforts. Hopefully it's not the last the Seasiders have seen from him after a successful loan spell. Photo: Gareth Evans
4. Olly Casey - 7
Olly Casey rarely looked troubled, but step up with a couple of big blocks when the defence did get stretched. Photo: Gareth Evans
5. James Husband - 7
James Husband made a big block of his own towards the end of the first half, and looked solid throughout. Photo: Gareth Evans
6. CJ Hamilton - 8
It was a stunning strike from CJ Hamilton to break the deadlock. Photo: Gareth Evans