A Massive Away Win for the Royals!

Reading came back from the international break with a bang, securing three vital points against Peterborough thanks to a first-half brace from Harvey Knibbs.

The game started with a scare for Reading as Peterborough earned a corner just a minute in, but Knibbs was quick to rise and head clear, setting the tone for his all-action display.

Peterborough’s Mothersille looked lively in the early minutes, showcasing some impressive skills on the left. He created a chance with a neat pass inside, but Pereira dealt with the resulting shot comfortably.

Reading responded quickly. Mbengue’s pinpoint pass found Knibbs in a dangerous position, but he couldn’t get a shot off. Just moments later, the Royals made it count. Smith showed great strength to hold off his defender and fired a shot that rebounded off the keeper straight to Knibbs, who calmly tapped into the empty net.

The Royals kept up the pressure, with Craig whipping in a low cross that flashed across the box, though no one was there to finish. Meanwhile, Peterborough’s attempts were limited to speculative long-range efforts that Pereira handled with ease.

Knibbs doubled his tally in the 20th minute, latching onto a perfect through ball from Savage. Holding off his marker, he fired a brilliant finish into the far corner, leaving the keeper no chance.

Peterborough had their chances to pull one back, notably through Fernandez, who failed to connect properly from a corner, and Jade-Jones, who curled an effort narrowly wide after finding space in the box.

Reading could have extended their lead further when Smith’s curling effort was tipped behind, but the Royals were unable to capitalize from the corner. Pereira then showed his class with a stunning double save, keeping Reading’s clean sheet intact as the first half drew to a close.

Half-Time: Peterborough 0-2 Reading

Reading nearly made the perfect start to the second half when Savage’s half-volley clipped the top of the bar. The Royals looked dangerous every time they pressed forward, with Campbell and Wing both coming close to adding a third.

Pereira remained solid at the back, making a crucial save to deny Jade-Jones after a deflection created an opening. Craig also delivered a pinpoint cross to Smith, whose header was on target but lacked the power to trouble the Peterborough keeper.

As the clock ticked down, the Royals focused on defending their lead, but Peterborough kept pushing. Their best chance came when Jade-Jones squared the ball to Poku, who somehow missed an open goal—a huge let-off for Reading.

Wareham almost put the game to bed with a sharp turn and shot that rolled just wide, while Savage also came close with a narrowly missed effort inside the box.

Peterborough finally broke through in the closing stages, with Fernandez smashing a shot into the roof of the net from a tight angle. However, Reading held their nerve in the dying moments, clearing a long throw to secure the win.

Full-Time: Peterborough 1-2 Reading

It was a spirited performance from the Royals, with Knibbs the standout player. The team’s determination in both attack and defence earned them a well-deserved victory and a crucial three points on the road.

Todays teams 

Peterborough United: Bilokapic, Collins (C), Wallin, Mothersille (Conn-Clarke 84’), De Havilland, Poku, Randall, Jones, Sparkes (Hayes 85’), Dornelly (Curtis 60’), Fernandez
Subs: Blackmore, Odoh, Nevett, O’Brien-Brady
Goals: Fernandez (90+5′)
Yellow: Fernandez (90+6′)

Reading FC: Pereira, Dorsett, Elliott, Craig, Knibbs, Savage, Smith (Wareham 75’), Campbell, Bindon, Mbengue (Kanu 67’), Wing (C)
Subs: Button, Camara, Garcia, Akande, Ahmed
Goals: Knibbs (8’, 23’)
Yellows: Bindon (45+1’), Mbengue (46’)