Rumarn Burrell scored the winner as Middlesbrough won 1-0 at Reading to secure a second successive victory in Premier League 2 Division 2.
Neither side could find an opening in the first half but Boro struck six minutes after the break when Burrell reacted to turn in Tyrone O'Neill's glancing header.
Burrell also headed off target while Boro goalkeeper Solomon Brynn made an excellent save to deny Garath McCleary an equaliser.
Boro remain fifth on 26 points with Reading four places below on 17 points.
See: Reading report | Boro report