Boro slip up to Royals

Goals in either half from Noel Hunt and Ian Harte earned Reading their fifth successive npower Championship victory with a 2-0 triumph over Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

Republic of Ireland striker Hunt converted from close range in the 17th minute after a well-worked corner before Harte killed off the game with a brilliant free-kick 10 minutes from time.

The impressive result completed a successful week for the Royals, who tied manager Brian McDermott to a new contract despite interest from Barclays Premier League side Wolves.

After failing to create any clear-cut opportunities in the opening half, Boro tested visiting goalkeeper Adam Federici on numerous occasions in the second but could not find a way back into the game.

Reading continued their promotion charge after their fifth consecutive clean sheet, while Tony Mowbray's side slipped to their third home league defeat of the campaign.