THREE second-half goals, courtesy of Ben House and a Josh Barrett brace, were enough for Reading Under 23s to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches with a 3-2 success at Middlesbrough on Friday.

The win saw the Royals move up to third place in the Premier League 2 Division Two table, behind Wolves U23s and leaders Manchester United U23s.

After a delayed kick-off due to floodlight problems, the match exploded into action, with Boro scoring early on through Ashley Fletcher, holding on to a 1-0 lead at the break.

The second half started in similar fashion, with Royals scoring twice within the first six minutes of the restart as House coolly slotted away an equalising goal before Barrett finished from a tight angle to give his side the lead.

Boro had a goal ruled out for offside, after Stephen Walker thought he had levelled for the Teessiders.

Reading then increased their advantage with Barrett’s second of the match, supplied by a Tyler Frost pass, with 20 minutes left.

The home side were given hope when Billal Brahimi struck a beautiful shot from outside the area to make it 3-2, but Royals were able to see the game out and claim all three points.

Scott Marshall’s side are now just three points behind United at the top of the table.

Royals U23s now turn their attention to the Premier League International Cup, where they were due to take on Sparta Prague tomorrow (Wednesday), before travelling to Bracknell Town in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup next Tuesday.

Middlesbrough U23: Konstantopoulos, Spence, Stubbs, Wood, Robinson, Tavernier, Leadbitter, Liddle, Chapman, Walker (Brahimi 74), Fletcher (O’Neill 85).

Subs not used: James, Guru, Ward.

Reading U23: Southwood, Howe, Medford-Smith, East, Burley, McIntyre (Odimayo 77), Frost, Sidoel (Coleman 77), House (Liddle 84), Loader, Barrett.

Subs not used: Driscoll, Rollinson.

  • READING U23s will play their three Premier League Cup home fixtures at Woking's Kingfield Stadium.

Royals are at home to Birmingham City on Monday, November 12, Fulham on Monday, December 3 and Colchester United on Friday, January 18 (all 7pm).

Reading also travel to the same three sides, with the top two progressing to the knock-out stages in the round of 16.