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