Middlesbrough secured their third win in a row in the Championship as they eased to a 3-0 win over Reading at the Riverside Stadium.
Aitor Karanka's side had an excellent start to the game when Emanuel Ledesma fired a deep cross to Lukas Jutkiewicz, who headed the ball into the path of Albert Adomah to power a volley past Alex McCarthy into the net.
Boro nearly doubled their advantage as Ledesma got the ball on the right, drove at his marker and fired a left-footed shot at goal. It was saved by McCarthy, but Jutkiewicz looked to pounce on the rebound, only to fire wide.
The home side did double their lead and in spectacular fashion as well. The ball was played to Grant Leadbitter, who let fly from 25 yards, and his shot flew into the top corner giving McCarthy no chance.
After half time, life got a lot harder for the visitors as Kaspars Gorkss was dismissed for a second bookable offense following a late challenge on Leadbitter after he overran the ball from a poor touch.
Middlesbrough almost took advantage immediately. After a free kick wasn't cleared properly by Reading, Adomah shot on the turn, but his effort went just over the bar.
However, it was three when Ledesma was brought down in the penalty area by Alex Pearce and Leadbitter slotted home the spot kick to seal the win for Karanka's side.
Simon Sinclair
