Reading bounced back from a tough week by beating relegation rivals Carlisle United 3-1 at Brunton Park.

Docked two more points on Tuesday for HMRC issues, almost 1,400 Royals travelled to Cumbria for the first time since 1982 and were rewarded with a day to remember.

Harvey Knibbs grabbed a brace and Sam Smith scored in successive matches to ensure they returned to winning ways, a third away victory of the season.

Jon Mellish pulled one back in the second half and the hosts turned the screw in spells, but Reading were worthy winners.

Sat adrift in the relegation zone and now chasing Reading, who sit directly above the dotted line, Carlisle came out the traps like it was a must-win encounter. The Cumbrians nearly took the lead inside three minutes when the visitors fell asleep with a quick free-kick routine and a devilish ball was whipped into the box toward Luke Armstrong. Bouncing around, the former Harrogate Town striker somehow failed to convert, and Reading managed to clear.

However, it was not to be a sign of what was to follow, as the hosts faded quickly and allowed Reading to control most of the first half. Smith fired a warning shot at Harry Lewis in the net on 15 minutes, curling an effort when he was sent through on goal from 30 yards. Within two minutes, Smith found his range and cooly placed pass the keeper when fed a ball over the defence to give the Royals the lead.

Lewis Wing and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan both tried their luck shortly after, but Lewis got down fast to keep the chance at bay and Wing’s effort was claimed on the second attempt. Jack Diamond fired an effort over the crossbar and within 180 seconds the lead was doubled. Captain Andy Yiadom reached the byline, beat two men and cut the ball back into the six-yard box for Knibbs to tap home. Carlisle visibly deflated and it could have been worse with the last kick of the half, Femi Azeez’s powerful effort just tipped around the pots before the whistle was blown.

As expected, the hosts came out all guns blazing at the start of the second half after what must have been a frank discussion in the dressing room. Mellish nearly pulled one back within minutes, but his header narrowly flew over the crossbar. It looked to be game over shortly before the hour-mark when Reading extended their lead to three. Azeez’s cross was only half-cleared, and his second cross found Knibbs at the front post, who slammed home his brace at the near post.

It was the cue for many Cumbrians to depart, but those that did certainly missed a rallying response from their side in what proved to be a nervy final 30 minutes. Armstrong nodded narrowly wide and Mellish did eventually convert a free kick with 20 minutes remaining to cut the deficit and keep the momentum firmly with the hosts. Substitute Jordan Gibson made some Royals supporters take a sharp intake of breath when he lined one up from distance, but his curled effort flew inches wide of David Button’s goal. Smith could have made it a more comfortable close, but his header in the six-yard box dropped inches wide of the post.

After a burst of pressure, Ruben Selles’ side managed the closing stages impeccably and the supporters could relax through three minutes of stoppage time.

Up to 16th in League One, Reading moved five points clear of the drop ahead of a Berks-Bucks meeting with Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.