Unfortunately for Savage - a player never too far away from controversy - he was not at the races as the Royals secured fifth place and a two-legged clash with Cardiff.
Ian Harte, enjoying an Indian summer at the Madejski Stadium, scored his 13th goal of the season from the spot to open the scoring, but Jamie Ward equalised from Derby`s first real chance - a swerving 25-yard strike which found the bottom corner.
Daniel Ayala, who had brought down Simon Church for Reading`s opener, then fouled Michail Antonio in the area for a second penalty, but this time Harte hit the post from 12 yards.
They were not to be denied, though, and a scruffy strike from Hal Robson-Kanu after 72 minutes secured a deserved victory.
Source: PA
Source: PA