Marcus Bent's first Wigan goal five minutes into the second period had cancelled out Dave Kitson's first-half opener but the Reading striker had the last word by setting up his team-mate for the winner.

Wigan left the Madejski Stadium with a sour taste in their mouths however after referee Keith Stroud awarded them a penalty before changing his mind in the first half. The Latics also had late chances to have gone ahead before Harper's sucker punch.

Kevin Doyle had been left out at Sunderland last weeks, his exertions for Ireland part of the reason but his failure to hit the net for his club in the previous five games also a factor. Nevertheless he was preferred to Leroy Lita and immediately began to prove a point with his running and flicks. Reading were galvanised and a breakthrough duly arrived on the half hour when Doyle brought a fumble from Chris Kirkland before squaring for Kitson to finished.

Controversy then arrived in Wigan's instant response when Jason Koumas tumbled into the box. Stroud awarded a penalty but, after Reading protested, consulted a linesman and downgraded it to a free-kick just outside the box . . . a decision replays indicated had been right.

Wigan duly equalised five minutes into the second half through the previously subdued Bent, who split Kitson and Michael Duberry to power in a header from Koumas's corner. Wigan could have sealed the game but their wastefulness was finally punished by Harper slotting home neatly at Kirkland's near post.