Reading 2-0 Middlesbrough

Danny Williams scored the third-fastest goal in Reading's history

Reading climbed to third in the Championship and ended Middlesbrough's five game winning streak with goals from Danny Williams and Nick Blackman.

Midfielder Williams headed Reading in front after just 15 seconds.

Hal Robson-Kanu found the USA international unmarked as he netted the club's third-fastest ever goal.

Nick Blackman made sure of the points with a late penalty with his eighth goal in as many games after he was fouled by Fernando Amorebieta.

Boro, five points clear in second before kick-off, were caught cold straight from the start at the Madejski Stadium.

Robson-Kanu lofted a ball across the area to the on-running Williams and Dimitrios Konstantopoulos was unable to tip it over the bar.

Reading, beaten just once in their last nine league games were full of confidence. Orlando Sa, returning from suspension, was denied a second goal as his shot was blocked on the line by Daniel Ayala.

Boro went close to an equaliser as Stewart Downing shot through a crowded penalty area only to be denied by Ali Al-Habsi.

Downing threatened again before the break, shooting just over from outside the box.

The visitors grew in confidence and continued to push for a leveller in the second half. Grant Leadbitter had the best chance as he watched a shot go just wide after the hour mark.

But just as nerves increased among the home crowd, Steve Clarke's side settled the game with two minutes left.

Blackman, among the nominees for Championship player of the month for September, was tripped by Amorebieta and referee Keith Stroud pointed to the spot.

Konstantopoulos went the wrong way and Reading had sealed their fifth win of the season.

Reading manager Steve Clarke told BBC Radio Berkshire:

"That was two good teams playing against each other today. We got the key moments in the afternoon and to get in front early changed the whole dynamic of the game.

"Middlesbrough would have come here thinking they could pick us off and contain us. In the first half, even though we didn't create as many chances, the best ones came to us.

"Defensively our shape was good and I sacrificed Nick Blackman a bit today, asking him to do a more defensive job.

"He did that really well and got his reward with the penalty at the end."

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka:

"The main thing we had to do was not concede a goal in the first minute, but we did - within 20 seconds.

"Reading are a very organised team and we knew that if we conceded a goal, it would be difficult to equalise.

"We have still had a good run but we are disappointed because we wanted to win the eighth, ninth and 10th games in a row.

"I know it's impossible to win every match but it's still frustrating. I don't know why we started so badly."

Danny Williams is congratulated by Paul McShane on his 15-second goal

Stewart Downing and Nick Blackman tussle in the first half

Danny Williams and Grant Leadbitter battle for the ball in midfield

Nick Blackman put Reading 2-0 ahead from the penalty spot