Reading End Boro's Winning Run

Reading    2        Middlesbrough    0

              Williams 1  Blackman (Pen) 88

Middlesbrough’s five match winning streak came to an abrupt end as they were beaten by fellow high-flyers Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

Striker Nick Blackman celebrates Reading's second goal

Danny Williams opened the scoring after just 15 seconds when his early header beat Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopulos. It until the 88^th minute for the hosts to double their lead when in form striker Nick Blackman converted from the penalty spot.

It’s a result which moves the Royals up to third in the league on 18 points, bridging the gap to Boro who are now just two points better off. Even so Aitor Karanka’s side remain in second place going into this week’s international break, trailing leaders Brighton by two points.

Going into this match Boro had the best defensive record in the division; however that wasn’t evident early on. Hal Robson-Kanu's cross from the left was allowed to travel into the box where Williams arrived unmarked and was able to power his header home.

Karanka left out the likes of Albert Adomah and David Nugent, who had a slight knock, on the bench. His side nearly fell further behind when Konstatopulos thwarted Blackman’s shot before Ayala headed Orlando Sa’s rebound off the line.

With two minutes to go the hosts sealed the game when Fernando Amorebieta bundled over Blackman in the penalty area before the forward calmly converted from 12 yards.