MX23RW : Wednesday, December 25 02:27:45| >> :120:44729:44729:
[monks data]
Reading logo
Championship | Gameweek 44
Jul 14, 2020 at 6pm UK
Madejski Stadium
Middlesbrough logo

Reading
1 - 2
Middlesbrough

Moore (33')
Puscas (19'), Rinomhota (58')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Fletcher (45'), Roberts (82')

Middlesbrough come from behind to boost survival hopes at Reading

Ashley Fletcher and Patrick Roberts on target as Teessiders come from behind at Madejski Stadium.

Middlesbrough boosted their chances of avoiding relegation from the Sky Bet Championship with a hard-earned 2-1 win at mid-table Reading.

The home side went ahead in the first half when skipper Liam Moore slotted home his first goal of the season.

However, Neil Warnock's team levelled just before the break when top scorer Ashley Fletcher nodded in his 13th of the campaign, before completing the comback when Patrick Roberts drove in a late winner with a low 20-yard shot.

Boro were 19th in the table prior to this contest, just two points above the drop zone – but their survival prospects look much brighter now.

Warnock, 71, had overseen two wins and three defeats since replacing the sacked Jonathan Woodgate last month, while Reading were unbeaten in three matches, having collected seven points and not conceded a goal in that run.

However, the Royals have a poor home record, winning only once in the Championship and FA Cup at Madejski Stadium since Boxing Day.

Before kick-off, a minute's applause was held as a mark of respect to Jack Charlton, the England World Cup winner and former Middlesbrough manager who died last Friday.

Neither side managed to make much headway in a low-key opening, with Reading just about shading the honours going forward.

Boro gradually worked their way into contention and were presented with a good chance from a free-kick 25 yards out. However, Marcus Tavernier's attempt lacked direction and failed to trouble home goalkeeper Rafael.

Reading went ahead in the 33th minute when Yakou Meite glanced the ball on at the near post, from a Michael Olise corner, and the onrushing Moore converted easily from close range.

Djed Spence should have equalised soon after but missed with a free header from Tavernier's inviting cross, before Reading midfielder John Swift struck a post with a firm 20-yard drive.

However, the Teessiders were level on the stroke of half-time when Fletcher cleverly guided home a header from a Roberts centre – the first goal Reading had conceded in 315 minutes.

Reading created the first opportunity of the second period, when Tyler Blackett launched a high free-kick into the Middlesbrough area.  Keeper Aynsley Pears missed his intended punch and was relieved that his defence eventually cleared the danger.

The visitors found themselves under increasing pressure, with Meite nodding over a Gabriel Osho cross and Olise shooting wide.

Fletcher almost helped himself to a second goal on the break, with Rafael having to make an agile save to keep out the well-struck effort.

However, Roberts eased Boro's relegation fears in the 82nd minute with a cool finish from Marvin Johnson's low cross.

ID:406531: cacheID:406531:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5142:
Written by
P A
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
West Bromwich Albion players celebrate Ahmed Hegazi's goal against Hull on July 5, 2020
Read Next:
Tuesday's Championship predictions including West Bromwich Albion vs. Fulham
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd22155232112148
2Leeds UnitedLeeds22136341152645
3Burnley2212822891944
4Sunderland22127334181643
5Blackburn RoversBlackburn2111462518737
6Middlesbrough22105738281035
7West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom22811326161035
8Watford2110473028234
9Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds229582830-232
10Millwall217772118328
11Swansea CitySwansea227692424027
12Bristol City226972628-227
13Norwich CityNorwich226883734326
14Queens Park RangersQPR2251072328-525
15Luton TownLuton2274112538-1325
16Derby CountyDerby2266102728-124
17Coventry CityCoventry2266102834-624
18Preston North EndPreston2241172229-723
19Stoke CityStoke2257102330-722
20Portsmouth204882535-1020
21Hull City2247112131-1019
22Cardiff CityCardiff2146111934-1518
23Oxford UnitedOxford Utd2146112137-1618
24Plymouth ArgylePlymouth2146112245-2318


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!