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Hal Robson-Kanu struck a late winner as Reading beat fellow Championship side Cardiff in the FA Cup fourth round.

The home side built up a spell of pressure before taking the lead when a Peter Whittingham corner was headed in by striker Kenwyne Jones.

Reading were frustrated by Cardiff until Oliver Norwood equalised when he fired in a 20-yard free-kick.

Robson-Kanu had a header excellently saved before he swept in a shot to secure Reading's progress.

There were a smattering of boos from the home crowd at the final whistle as Reading avenged a 2-1 league defeat in Cardiff in November.

Going into the tie, both of these sides had endured faltering campaigns which had left them in the bottom half of the Championship.

Reading were the first to threaten when Nathaniel Chalobah found fellow midfielder Norwood, but his first-time shot from just outside the area flew over.

The home side responded with a Jones shot being palmed wide by goalkeeper Adam Federici before they turned their growing threat into a goal when Jones nodded in.

Cardiff held their rivals at arm's length until they conceded a free-kick and paid the price when Norwood beat keeper Simon Moore with a low effort.

Royals boss brought on Robson-Kanu and it proved an inspired substitution as he latched on to Jordan Obita's cross to score.

Cardiff manager Russell Slade:

"I would have probably walked out myself if I'd been in the crowd for the second period. It was dire.

"There's going to be ups and downs, but it's a bad day for us and it looks as if we've taken a step in the wrong direction.

"I take all the responsibility for the players performing at that level. We were devoid of ideas and energy and it's probably the worst 45 minutes since I've been here."

Reading boss Steve Clarke:

"Everyone will think it has opened up a little bit, especially with Man City and Chelsea going out.

"But you can't get carried away. I'll just look forward to the draw and see who we get."