READING FC secured their status in the Championship for next season despite a 2-1 defeat at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

The Royals had a left off at the Riverside Stadium when, against the run of play, the ball fell nicely outside the box for Lewis Wing to hit but the post came to their rescue after nine minutes.

The visitors took the lead as Danny Loader opened his senior account with a screamer in the 11th minute. An exquisite touch and curled finish from the edge of the box found the top corner of the goal.

Reading then had keeper Emiliano Martinez to thank for keeping them in front when George Saville hit a goal-bound shot from close range but a superb save denied him.

Middlesbrough rattled the post again as a ball was played into the box for Britt Assombalonga to strike but he could not hit the target midway through the first half.

The Royals had defended resiliently but Boro equalised when Wing found a way through for the hosts in the 31st minute.

Wing continued to cause problems and shot from the edge of the box but Martinez reacted superbly to push it over the crossbar.

Middlesbrough took the lead as Assombalonga scored from the penalty spot after 39 minutes.

Boro almost scored again before half-time when Jonny Howson played a great cross towards Saville at the far post, but he could not touch it in.

Martinez produced another fantastic save two minutes after the break as a shot from Muhamed Besic was deflected towards goal by Ashley Fletcher butt he keeper managed to get his foot in the way.

Reading saw a lot of the ball early on in the second half but the home side proved tough to break down.

Andrew Yiadom delivered a precise cross to Garath McCleary at the far post. He shot but Boro managed to get bodies on the line.

Both sides looked dangerous on the counter-attack as the match entered the final 20 minutes but it was not quite falling for the Royals.

The visitors had a golden chance two minutes from time when Yiadom cut the ball back to substitute Callum Harriott. He backheeled the ball towards goal but keeper Darren Randolph managed to push it around the post.

It ended in defeat for Reading, but Rotherham United suffered defeat at West Bromwich Albion which means the Royals have confirmed their Championship status for next season.

Reading bring the curtain down on their season with a visit to the Madejski Stadium from Birmingham City this Sunday (12.30pm).