An early goal by Simon Cox has condemned Middlesbrough to a 1-0 defeat at home to Reading in today's Championship clash at the Riverside.

The Royals broke the deadlock in the seventh minute, when a move begun by a crossfield ball from Oliver Norwood led to Ryan Edwards subsequently chipping the ball to Cox.

The Irish forward duly struck to send the away supporters into raptures.

Five minutes later, a corner from Jordan Obita was nodded back by Alex Pearce before being hacked away from the goal line.

The away side kept up the pressure, and Tomas Mejias had to be alert to punch away a corner kick on the half-hour mark.

The momentum appeared to change towards the latter stages of the first half, with Tomlin troubling Adam Federici in the 33rd minute and Kike also getting several chances on goal.

Controversy then reigned when Tomlin went down inside the Royals box with seven minutes to go, but the referee waved away the appeals.

In the second half, Middlesbrough were quick off the starting blocks, Albert Adomah proving responsible for some marauding play and an effort on goal in a bid to get his side level.

Seb Hines and Tomlin also troubled the Reading defence, who would soon find themselves with their backs to the wall as the home side turned on the screws.

Midway through the second half Boro registered three corners in as many minutes, while in the 74th minute, Adam Clayton put Kike clean through, but the linesman's flag halted the move.

The home side continued to push forward, but despite all their efforts and pressure, Reading hung on for the win.