Reading FC secured a second win in as many games, seeing off Middlesbrough 1-0 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Tyrese Fornah broke the deadlock just before the half-hour mark, firing home from outside the box.
The midfielder’s first goal for the Royals proved to be the only goal in an encounter which saw the Royals hold out.
Paul Ince’s men moved up to third in the Championship table, just a point off top spot.
Bouzanis 7: Did well, particularly towards the end when it was all hands on deck. Made an important save to deny Lenihan from close range. Grew into the game after a hesitant start.
Holmes 6: Returned to the right side of the back three. Contained the Boro offence well, winning the majority of his duels.
Hutchinson 7: An impressive debut for the Royals. Was on-hand to snuff out any loose balls in Reading’s defensive third. Came off with 20 minutes remaining after sustaining a knock.
McIntyre 7: An assured outing for the centre-back, who put in another mature performance. Found himself in some very advanced positions in the first half; could have got an assist on another day.
Yiadom 7: Plenty of positives from the captain. Displayed his usual tenacity on both ends of the pitch. Shifted into the back three when Hutchinson made way.
Hoilett 8: Adapted well to switching wings once again. Created issues for Jones by getting down the left. An impressive display considering
Hendrick 6: A job well done by the Irishman. Carried out his brief of preventing Jonny Howson from dictating the game. Also got forward well.
Loum 7: Made a handful of misplaced passes, but always worked to win the ball back. Did well considering it was his fourth game in less than two weeks.
Fornah 8: What a way to open his Royals account, driving a half-volley home from outside the box on the half-hour mark. Quality in and out of possession, his best performance in a Reading shirt.
Ince 7: Showed plenty of industry in what was a selfless performance. A moment of magic in the second half saw him dance his way through the Boro back line to play in Hendrick, who sadly could not get a shot away.
Long 6: Wednesday night’s efforts did not prevent him from putting in a shift. Could have scored shortly after the break, but seemed to lose his footing as the ball came to him on the edge of the box.
Joao 5: Was introduced on the hour mark but struggled to make an impact on the game. Minutes under the belt will be a positive
Clarke 6: Slotted into the left wing back position after Hutchinson came off. Saved his side two points with a last ditch block to deny Hoppe what looked to be a certain equaliser.
Subs: Andresson, Camara, Abrefa, Ehibhatiomhan, Craig
