Harvey Knibbs’ first league double since March kept Reading within a whisker of the League One play-off places as they recorded a 2-1 victory at Peterborough.

The Royals got back to winning ways as they inflicted Posh’s first home league loss since August.

Reading got off to a fast start as Knibbs opened the scoring in the eighth minute from close range after Sam Smith’s strike smashed Nick Bilokapic in the face.

And it was two in the 23rd minute as Charlie Savage delivered a fine cross for Knibbs, who rounded the keeper, to fire home for his second.

Smith almost got on the scoresheet himself before the half-hour mark as he forced Bilokapic into a good stop.

Ricky-Jade Jones went closest for the hosts before the break when he fired wide.

Joel Pereira pulled off a great double save to keep out Jones twice from close range.

Savage almost produced a goal-of-the-month candidate as his strike crashed against the crossbar.

Kwame Poku should have down better when he poked an effort wide from six yards.

When Posh eventually pulled one back, through Emmanuel Fernandez – in the eighth minute of stoppage time – it looked too late.

And Pereira ensured the points as he denied Joel Randall’s strike late on.