New Northampton manager Kevin Nolan endured a miserable start to his tenure when his struggling side lost 4-1 at League One play-off chasers Reading.

The hosts dominated much of the first half and led 2-0 at the break with goals from Harvey Knibbs and Sam Smith – each scoring for the eighth time this season.

Charlie Savage effectively settled the issue with a crisp drive in the 75th minute, signalling the first win for new Reading manager Noel Hunt at his fifth attempt – and on his 42nd birthday.

Town’s late reply from Tom Eaves proved but a consolation, with Mamadi Camara thumping home Reading’s fourth, three minutes from time.

Northampton made the worst possible start under Nolan – the former West Ham first-team coach – and went behind in the fifth minute when Knibbs cleverly volleyed home from an acute angle.

Town responded positively, but without troubling home goalkeeper Joel Pereira and fell further adrift in the 28th minute.

Smith had just narrowly missed with a stooping header but made no mistake when latching on to Lewis Wing’s superb pass to slot the ball past exposed Town goalkeeper Nik Tzanev.

When Smith appeared to be upended while trying to race through soon after, but with no foul given, Royals’ goalkeeping coach Tony Warner was booked for his protests.

Reading made it 3-0 when Savage curled in a fine 20-yard shot and although Eaves pounced from close range in the 81st minute, Camara did the same with three minutes left to complete the rout.