The unbeaten run was always going to end at some point. It was just a surprise that it was to Reading who are having a poor season and even more surprising was the manner of the goals let in.
It may well be an off day for Preston but it has now made any chance of making the top six extremely remote although North End sit in a far more comfortable position than at the turn of the year.
The goals for Reading came in the first half. Barrow charged down the left hand side and crossed to Meite who had the simplest of taks of slotting home from close range into an empty net.
The second came shortly afterwards. Davies played a weak back pass to Rudd. Stockley and Rudd were both hesitant when at least one of them should comfortably of cleared the ball.
Whilst there was a hesitation at the back Meite nipped in and scored unaided to give the home side a lead which they rarely looked like relinquishing.
Preston ended the game with ten men due to injuries. Barker, on as substitute, had to go off due to injury and with all three changes made Pearson was forced to come off with an injury.
North End did score a consolation in added time. Maguire hit the woodwork and Stickley followed up with the rebound but it was too little too late.
Preston now face a mammoth couple of weeks where they play three of the top six in Sheffield United, Leeds and West Brom. After defeat to Reading Preston have to win at least five if not all of their remaining games to secure a top six finish.
Given the run-in Preston face an extremely tough task of trying to break into the play off positions especially as other teams have games in hand on Preston.
It may well have been an off day but Preston need to force a strong end to the campaign to show that they have intentions for next season.