Reading progressed into the second round of the FA Cup with a narrow 3-2 win over MK Dons.

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan gave the hosts an early lead before Alex Gilbey deservedly equalised shortly before half-time.

Half-time substitutions inspired an improved performance and quickfire goals from Harvey Knibbs and Lewis Wing put daylight between the sides separated by a division.

Max Dean scored a late consolation to make it a nervy ending, but the Royals held on to secure safe passage into the next round.

Ruben Selles made nine changes from the side that lost 3-2 against Portsmouth on Saturday, including giving Joel Pereira a debut in the net.

It was one of the changes, Ehibhatiomham, who opened the scoring inside three minutes as Wing’s raking pass found the forward over the top of the defence.

MK Dons were on top for most of the first half and had countless chances to equalise through Gilbey and Tommy Smith. Eventually, the skipper did pull the sides level, converting Cameron Norman’s drilled cross.

Changes at the break, with the likes of Knibbs and Femi Azeez entering the fray, proved the difference in the second period.

Knibbs flicked Wing’s free-kick past Michael Kelly with 25 minutes remaining while Dom Ballard’s pressing won the ball high up and gave Wing a tap in two put daylight between the sides.

Azeez fired two good chances wide, and Ballard had one cleared off the line in an eventful final 20 minutes at the SCL Stadium.

MK Dons refused to roll over however and made it a tense ending when Dean bundled home a consolation after a smart save from Pereira in stoppage time.

The visitors had a strong penalty appeal turned away in the final seconds before Michael Craig’s clearance saw the referee blow for full-time and secure Reading’s place in tomorrow’s draw.

Back to League One action on Tuesday, Bristol Rovers visit Berkshire for the first time in over 20 years.