Crawley's NICKY ADAMS aroused hopes of a shock with a stunning strike from outside the area after just 14 seconds.
But Reading equalised with their first chance as Le Fondre side-footed home Garath McCleary's header.
McCleary set up Noel Hunt to knock in the Premier League side's second and Le Fondre made it 3-1 from the penalty spot after Joe Walsh fouled Hunt.
Fans of the Sussex side are used to giddy moments after back-to-back promotions and they were soon in raptures once more as Crawley scored within moments of the kick-off.
Adams robbed Reading captain Ian Harte of possession, cut in from the right and fired past goalkeeper Adam Federici from 25 yards.
Reading, showing seven changes to the side beaten 3-1 by Tottenham, were lucky not to fall further behind as Adams drilled another effort wide before Federici pulled off a spectacular save to keep out Joe Walsh's header.
The Royals got on level terms after their first spell of pressure as McCleary cushioned Harte's cross back to Le Fondre, who directed a first-time shot low past Crawley goalkeeper Paul Jones.
The outstanding McCleary was also the provider for Reading's second goal as he turned full-back David Hunt inside out and crossed for Hunt to slot home.
Reading gave themselves breathing space shortly after half-time when Hunt went down under a challenge from Walsh and Le Fondre blasted the penalty into the roof of the net.
Reading, FA Cup quarter-finalists in 2010 and 2011 were drawn at home against Sheffield United.
Crawley Town: Jones, Sadler, Connolly, Walsh, Hunt (Akinde), Akpan, Clarke, Simpson, Adams, Jones, (Elford-Alliyu), Alexander.
Substitutes: Kuipers, Byrne, Torres, Bulman, Cooper, Akinde, Elford-Alliyu.
Attendance: 5, 880
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