Reading lead Middlesbrough 1-0 at half time at the Madejski Stadium thanks to Danny Williams's powerful header early on.
The home side roared out of the blocks and were ahead inside the opening minute when Williams headed home Hal Robson-Kanu's cross from six yards out.
Chris Gunter then made a smart tackle to deny Diego Fabbrini as the Middlesbrough forward was about to pull the trigger in the Reading box.
Williams, buoyed by his earlier strike, lashed an effort wide of goal, before Orlando Sa thought he had doubled his side's lead, only to see Daniel Ayala hack the ball off the line.
Paul McShane then headed Oliver Norwood's free kick narrowly wide of goal as Reading took control of the game, leaving the away side grateful for the half-time whistle.
