Tuncay Sanli's first goal for Middlesbrough earned Gareth Southgate's side a 1-1 draw at Reading, for whom David Kitson secured the lead.

The Turkish forward met Luke Young's precise cross from the right with a powerful header which thumped past Marcus Hahnemann with just seven minutes left before full-time.

It was a rare moment of cohesive play by either side in an encounter that was high on energy and commitment but low on quality.

Middlesbrough looked toothless in attack until Tuncay's late introduction, with Lee Dong-Gook and Jeremie Aliadiere once again failing to impress.

Reading were far from threatening themselves, but Kitson proved a thorn in Boro's side, fully deserving the 53rd-minute goal which had given the Royals the lead.

Kitson had the first meaningful shot of the match with almost half an hour gone, striking the ball firmly at goal after cutting in past his marker. But Ross Turnbull, Boro's young keeper who started because of injuries to Mark Schwarzer and Brad Jones, parried the ball away well to his left.

The rookie goalkeeper was at fault for Kitson's goal eight minutes into the second half, however, as he rushed off his line to collect a Kevin Doyle flick-on into his penalty area.

The Irishman's header duly found Kitson, who gleefully lobbed the ball over the on-rushing Turnbull to put his side in front.

It was a game that desperately needed a goal and the action improved as the second half went on.

Bobby Convey had a good chance of doubling Reading's advantage on the hour mark, but his low left-footed drive was helped round the post by Turnbull.

Aliadiere then showed a rare piece of opportunism to nip in between a statuesque Hahnemann and Sonko to head just wide after 67 minutes.

That defensive mix-up prompted a furious row between the Reading team mates, who were both equally incensed at each other's indecision.

The defensive duo's apparent will to win failed to stop Tuncay finding the equaliser though, with what was his first goal for Middlesbrough since his summer transfer.

It was not enough to keep Boro out of the relegation zone however, as Sunderland's late win over Derby means Gareth Southgate's team now sit below their local rivals in 18th place.

Ben Phillips / Eurosport