Reading 0-2 Middlesbrough: Boro inflict third straight home loss on Royals
- Published
Having gone on a five-game run without a win, Middlesbrough have now won two games in a row
Middlesbrough kept up their pursuit of a Championship play-off place as they condemned Reading to a third consecutive home defeat.
Boro took the lead midway through the first half when Dael Fry headed on for Ashley Fletcher to slot home.
The hosts took just seven minutes to double their advantage as Marc Bola fired home from outside the box.
Visiting goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli made a fine save to deny Michael Morrison late on as Boro held on for all three points.
The result means Boro move within three points of the play-off places in eighth, level on points with seventh-placed Cardiff, who beat Preston.
Reading came into the game with an inconsistent record against Boro, having lost seven of their previous eight league meetings with the Teesside club.
The Royals made that eight from nine, this time with their second league defeat in their past three games, yet they remain fifth and six points off second-placed Brentford.
A fine first half saw the visitors earn their victory, with their second goal coming following good work from Duncan Watmore and Sam Morsy to tee up Bola's cool finish.
Reading manager Veljko Paunovic told BBC Radio Berkshire:
"It's not a good day. We didn't start the first half well. We didn't impose high tempo and ball movement and possession with a clear idea of getting in the final third as soon as possible.
"We cannot afford to lose focus and concentration. This is something we need to look at. The reaction in the second half was full of positives but I wish we started like that.
"We cannot lose points at home. At this point of the season we cannot be casual for a single second."
Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock told BBC Tees:
"I thought it was a good performance and I thought we were in the mood before the game, even in the hotel I felt good.
"We had some great chances as well as the goals we scored. I thought tactically we were very good today.
"Duncan [Watmore] once again covered every blade of grass today and cracked his front teeth for the cause. It was as good a performance against a good side since I've been here."