Stevenage defender Nathan Thompson was sent off for a second yellow card in the 22nd minute and Reading took advantage when Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan nodded home in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time.
Ehibhatiomhan, 20, tapped in his second goal - and fourth of the campaign - in the 57th minute to secure Reading's second successive victory.
However, Stevenage manager Steve Evans criticised ref Anthony Backhouse after the MATCH S sending off of READING v ST defender NaShots on t Shots off than Thompson early on in the game.
Stevenage had their opened league with season three successive wins but were rocked when Thompson received a second yellow, then red, for a late challenge on Harvey Knibbs.
They did respond positively, with home keeper David Button having to make fine saves to deny Aaron Pressley and Jordan Roberts.
Reading, deducted one point by the EFL on Wednesday for financial breaches last season, gradually regained control.
And they were rewarded when Ehibhatiomhan headed home firmly from a Charlie Savage corner.
Denne historien er fra August 20, 2023-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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Denne historien er fra August 20, 2023-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
LUKE BOOSTED BY WALES ACE LIAM
Swans bid to mark new era in style...
MATT'S DELIGHT OVER RECORD
WYCOMBE boss Wanderers Matt Bloomfield hailed his history-makers after victory at Lincoln City.
TON-UP IAN ENJOYS HIS SPECIAL WIN
AN Evatt described his 100th win as Bolton boss as very special, although he needed Aaron Collins' injurytime goal to bring up the three figures.
DONS LACK A CLINICAL EDGE AS SADDLERS GRAB POINTS
NATHAN Lowe's strike inspired promotion-chasing Walsall to victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
SUB GRIMES IS IN-SPIRED TO HEAD THE WINNER
CAPTAIN Jamie Grimes headed in a late winner for Chesterfield after a game of very few chances appeared destined to remain goalless.`
COBBLERS TEST IN TROPHY FOR POSH
HOLDERS Peterborough United have been drawn against fellow League One side Northampton Town in the Round of 32 of the newly-named Vertu Trophy.
HORNETS REMINDED OF GRAY'S BRILLIANCE
WAYNE Rooney expressed his delight as Plymouth extended their unbeaten league home run to six after Andre Gray's last-gasp leveller.
MARTI DOUBTING JOB AFTER DRAW
Rangers home run continues
BIG MAC'S ON TARGET TO SEE OFF THE TIGERS
LUTON boss Rob Edwards felt it was a very good day at the office as his team turned in a gritty performance to beat Hull.
Rohl confident Owls
DANNY Rohl said getting results is the only thing missing as his Owls were held at home by Cardiff.