The Royals looked the brighter side for long periods but found themselves behind after just seven minutes when Barnsley scored with virtually their first meaningful attack. Joel Pereira made the initial save and Jeriel Dorsett blocked the follow-up, but neither could clear the danger as the ball ricocheted around the six-yard box before Vimal Yoganathan bundled home from close range.

Reading almost responded immediately. Josh Stokes split the Barnsley defence with a clever pass to Jacob Brown, but the forward's run was cut short by an offside flag.

Despite controlling possession in difficult weather conditions, clear-cut chances proved hard to come by. Stokes tested Cieran Slicker from distance on 20 minutes, while at the other end Reyes Cleary drove inside and forced Pereira into a diving save with a fierce effort.

Reading FC v Barnsley - The EFL Sky Bet League One 26/27 (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

The contest was briefly halted when Ziyad Larkeche required treatment following a collision, before Reading suffered an injury setback of their own. Paddy Lane was unable to continue after picking up a knock and was replaced by Randell Williams on 32 minutes.

Reading pushed for an equaliser before the break. Stokes went closest when a long throw dropped kindly inside the penalty area, only for Slicker to tip his header behind. Haydon Roberts then met a Lewis Wing delivery but fired over the crossbar from a promising position.

Barnsley took their slender lead into half-time, but the game would soon turn dramatically in Reading's favour.

The Royals emerged unchanged after the restart and immediately started asking questions. Stokes was at the heart of the action, bursting through midfield before exchanging passes with Roberts and forcing another save from Slicker.

Their persistence paid off on 54 minutes.

Reading FC v Barnsley - The EFL Sky Bet League One 26/27 (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

Kyreece Lisbie continued his fine form by bringing Reading level with a composed finish. The winger found space inside the box, took advantage of a quality delivery and calmly slotted beyond Slicker to spark the hosts into life.

Barnsley responded strongly and nearly restored their lead within minutes. Pereira and his defence combined brilliantly to block one effort before the goalkeeper produced another important stop. The Reading keeper was called into action again moments later, saving comfortably after a corner was worked into a shooting position.

Paudie O'Connor was booked on the hour mark after conceding a free-kick on the edge of the area, but Reading weathered the pressure and gradually regained control.

Reading FC v Barnsley - The EFL Sky Bet League One 26/27 (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

Lisbie sensed there was more to come. After dragging one effort wide following a brilliant run past two defenders, the winger delivered the decisive moment 22 minutes from time.

A perfectly weighted through ball from Stokes released Lisbie on the counter-attack and he showed superb composure to race clear and slide his finish beyond Slicker, sending the drenched home supporters into celebration.

Barnsley attempted to find a route back into the contest, introducing fresh legs from the bench, while Reading looked dangerous on the break. Andy Rinomhota nearly added a third when his long-range strike took a deflection and looped narrowly wide.

A late Reading free-kick also threatened to extend the advantage, with Charlie Savage seeing a powerful effort turned behind after a Barnsley clearance fell invitingly to him on the edge of the area.

Barnsley pushed during the closing stages but could not find an equaliser as Reading held firm to secure an impressive victory.

In extra time Lisbie looked to get his hattrick after Reading found themselves on the break. Savage passed through to Lisbie as he was one on one with the keeper but Slicker was up to the task.

After trailing for more than 45 minutes and battling through torrential conditions, the Royals showed character and quality in equal measure, with Lisbie's match-winning brace completing a memorable turnaround at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Full time: Reading 2-1 Barnsley

Full match attendance: 10,670 (447)

Reading: Pereira; Malife; Roberts; Rinomhota; Brown (Reid 78’); Wing ©; O’Connor; Dorsett; Lisbie (Kyerewaa 90'); Stokes (Savage 78’); Lane (Williams 32’)

Subs: Stevens; Fraser; Knight

Barnsley: Slicker; Kay (Richards 83'); Larkeche (Bland 88'); Gale; Shepherd; Adeyemo (Kirk 73'); McGeehan © (Brownlie 83'); Cleary; Kelly; Yoganathan (Noslin 73); Connell

Subs: Ravenhill; Okedina;

Goals: V. Yoganathan (7’), K. Lisbie (54', 68')

Referee: Scott Oldham