The former Rovers defender saw red in the closing stages after handling Gareth Roberts' goal-bound effort.

Billy Sharp coolly converted the resultant 81st minute spotkick but a rejuvenated Reading outfit survived a late Doncaster onslaught to take all three points - and condemn the home side to a fourth straight defeat.

Irish international striker Shane Long headed the Royals in front shortly before the break when he met Brian Howard's inch perfect right wing centre.

And Long almost doubled the lead soon after the re-start when Neil Sullivan, whose superb first half save prevented Howard opening the scoring from a deflected free kick, again had to be at his best to divert a stinging 20-yard drive over the bar.

Relegation threatened Reading were not to be denied a second, however, and they punished some hesitant home defending on 77 minutes when Long set up Howard to calmly stroke home from close range.

Mills' sending off and Sharp's penalty then raised hopes of a comeback.

But substitute James Hayter saw his powerful effort rebound off the bar, Sharp's deflected shot was brilliantly clawed away by Adam Federici, before the goalkeeper was again at full stretch to keep out Brian Stock's last minute lob.

The result leaves Rovers just four points clear of Reading, who still find themselves in the Championship relegation zone.