READING made it five successive victories and clean sheets with crucial win at promotion rivals Middlesbrough.

Noel Hunt gave the visitors a 16th minute lead and Ian Harte sealed the points with a 25-yard cracker 11 minutes from time.

It was Reading's 12th victory in 14 Championship games, a run that has seen them reclaim third place in the table.

It also completed a landmark week for manager Brian McDermott who pledged his future to Royals by signing a new contract until summer 2015.