A BATTLING performance from Reading at Middlesbrough saw no reward as they were beaten 1-0.

Marvin Johnson scored what turned out to be the winner at the Riverside after 60 minutes

This was the home side's first shot on target and his free-kick from the right went past everyone on its way into the net.

Earlier, Britt Assombalonga had the ball in the net just after half-time when turning in a well-worked free-kick, but it was ruled offside.

Reading's Lucas Joao almost snatching a deserved late equaliser when he met John Swift's corner, only to be denied by one of a string of saves from goalkeeper Darren Randolph.

Next for the Royals now 17th in the Championship is a home game against Blackburn on Saturday.