Sheffield Wednesday fell to a home defeat against play-off rivals Reading on Friday night, putting their play-off chances in real doubt.
The two sides went into the game in 5th & 6th place in the Championship, separated by just 2 points and so the Owls had the chance to move up above their visitors with a victory.
Reading took the lead early in the first half when Kermorgant was allowed space on Wednesday's left, he cut inside Fox and got a low shot away before any centre-back cover arrived and the well place effort went across Westwood and into the bottom corner.
The Owls responded with Fox hitting the post from the edge of the box and a deft flick header from Rhodes forcing Al Habsi into a fine save in front of the Kop.
The Royals had got the goal they wanted and offered little threat after that, attacking sporadically when Wednesday committed numbers forward and wasting time at every opportunity.
As the second half wore on more chances came but Al Habsi wouldn't be beaten. When the Owls did find a way past the keeper Owls substitute McManaman was denied by a goal-line clearance from Moore. The Royals keeper made late saves to deny McManaman, and Buckley twice and Rhodes somehow failed to get a touch from a low cross 2 yards out with the goal at his mercy.
Wednesday keeper Westwood went forward for an injury time corner and the Owls were caught out when the Royals cleared their lines and beat the defensive cover with Popa walking the ball into the goal to seal a 2-0 win.
The Owls have now lost back to back games and have taken 1 point from the last 3 games. If Fulham avoid defeat today Wednesday will go into the international break outside the play-off places with 8 games of the season remaining.