FULHAM 5 Gunter (15) og, Martin (49, 90), Aluko (68), Johansen (71) READING 0

READING saw their winning run come to a shuddering halt as Fulham cruised to a big win at Craven Cottage.

Jaap Stam’s side had won five successive games, but their promotion push suffered a major setback here.

An own goal from Chris Gunter helped Fulham on their way and there was no looking back once Chris Martin extended the lead.

Danny Williams was then red carded for Reading, but it would only get worse as goals from Sone Aluko, Stefan Johansen and Martin again made it an afternoon to forget.

Ironically, Reading headed to west London as the form team of the second-tier, but the build-up had been dominated by off-field events.

A takeover, which would see a Chinese brother and sister seize control, is close to completion and Stam revealed he feared for his job if the new owners decide on bringing in their own man. This thumping loss will do him no favours.