Ipswich swiftly recovered and were back in front by the 11th minute, when Freddie Sears took advantage of hesitancy in the home defence.

Reading improved after the break and were rewarded when Meite headed home in the 84th minute.

Lambert took over at the East Anglian club last month after the brief and unsuccessful reign of Paul Hurst at Portman Road.

The Scot’s first match in charge ended with a 1-1 home draw against 10-man Preston last Saturday.

Reading, also in the relegation zone at the start of the day, had won three of their previous four home games.

They defeated Bristol City 3-2 at Madejski Stadium last weekend.

Ipswich began strongly and went ahead in the fifth minute.

The home defence failed to clear Jonas Knudsen’s long throw and Edwards volleyed in through a crowd of bodies.

Two minutes later, Reading drew level from Sam Baldock’s fine cross from the left flank.

Meite finished it with a spectacular overhead kick at the near post for his sixth goal of the season.

In the 11th minute, Ipswich regained the lead – via a route one punt from goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski.

It deceived home defender John O’Shea, with Sears running on to the ball unchallenged before shooting past keeper Anssi Jaakkola.

Reading believed that they should have had a penalty soon after, when Mo Barrow appeared to be fouled by Ipswich midfielder Cole Skuse.

But referee Darren Bond ruled that Barrow had dived and booked him.

Ipswich retained control until the interval, with Jaakkola having to make smart saves to keep out two efforts from Jordan Roberts.

Luke Chambers should also have done better than head weakly wide from a Flynn Downes corner.

Ipswich were pegged back after the interval, with Reading showing much more intent going forward.

Meite looked to be through on goal, only to be flagged offside, then Bialkowski made a point-blank save to deny Mo Barrow.

Ipswich sat back but, on a rare foray forward, almost extended their lead.

Jaakkola had to move quickly to snuff out the danger from Roberts after an error by O’Shea.

Reading maintained their pressure but substitute Garath McCleary shot wildly over when well placed.

But Ipswich were unable to hold on and conceded a second goal to Meite six minutes from time, when he nodded in Leandro Bacuna’s raking pass.

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