Reading earned themselves a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough at Riverside Stadium this afternoon, with goals from Noel Hunt and Ian Harte.
After an initial bright start from the home side, it was Reading that took the lead with 17 minutes on the clock. A corner found Hunt at the back post and the striker prodded high into the net to break the deadlock.
Middlesbrough then showed some great defending to prevent Hunt from getting a header away for a second goal.
Alex Pearce dived in superbly to block a Middlesbrough attempt, preserving Reading's one-goal advantage.
The team s went in at half time with Reading holding on to their 1-0 lead.
Soon after the restart, Julio Arca hit a decent effort but Reading's goalkeeper Adam Federici was able to see it over the bar.
Jason Roberts then muscled his way through for a chance to double Reading's lead, but the Jason Steele made an important save.
Jem Karacan worked himself a decent chance before it was blocked well, Hunt pounced on the rebound but miscued and put it wide.
On 80 minutes, Reading doubled their lead. Roberts was hacked down to win a free kick after a quick break, and Harte hit the set piece home from 25 yards.
Jobi McAnuff felt he should have had a penalty in injury time, but Reading were unconcerned as they saw out the game to win 2-0.
