A 2-0 loss to play-off hopefuls Middlesbrough condemned Reading to three home losses in a row.

Neil Warnock’s men scored twice within seven minutes in the first half despite the Royals dominating the early proceedings. 

And despite being more solid at the back in the second 45, Reading’s attack faltered after the interval. 

Here’s how the players rated on the day. 

Rafael Cabral -- 7

Was left stranded for Boro’s first goal and nothing he could do about Bola’s screamer. Made a great save on half-time to keep the score at 2-0 and again late in the second half to deny Fletcher a second. 

Andy Yiadom -- 6

Worked hard down the right and was a useful outlet for when the Royals went long. Should have scored from a good chance midway through the second half. 

Michael Morrison -- 6

Played a couple of superb long balls to Yiadom in either half but was caught out by a quick Fletcher break late in the second half. Almost scored with another marauding run into the opposition box. 

Tom McIntyre -- 6

He might be disappointed with his role in the game’s opener but looked very proactive and aggressive in the second half as he tried to drag his side back into the game. 

Omar Richards -- 4

Couldn’t get the better of his man on his side and was booked for a very late challenge just before the break. Subbed at half-time. 

Josh Laurent -- 5

Battled hard but didn’t make a huge impression on his return from a rest. Had a good chance to find a teammate in the box in the second half but took too long with the chance. 

Andy Rinomhota -- 5

Should have made it 1-0 to Reading in the 11th minute with a shot from the edge of the area. Like Laurent, he couldn’t get into the game as much as he usually does. 

Michael Olise -- 6

Did well to set up a few half-chances for his side in the first half and his deliveries were hit and miss. 

Alfa Semedo -- 4

A great run to set up the first opportunity of the game but his final product was lacking. He appeared to lose his man for Middlesbrough’s opener, however, and seemed anonymous thereafter. Subbed at half-time. 

Ovie Ejaria -- 4

Should have found the target with a strike after Boro opened the scoring. Tried to claw his team back into the game and dropped deep to get the ball but nothing paid off for the former Liverpool man all afternoon. Subbed for Puscas. 

Lucas Joao -- 4

Unlucky to see a header sail over the bar before Reading went 1-0 down, but went missing after that. Perhaps took too many touches in moments where they weren’t needed. 

Substitutes

Lewis Gibson -- 5

Came on at half-time for Richards and didn’t do much of note. Won a few headers and defended well but didn’t offer an attacking threat. 

Tomas Esteves -- 5

Came on at half-time for Semedo. Should have done better with a chance soon after the restart. 

George Puscas -- 5

Came on for Ejaria. A few nice touches from the Romanian but couldn’t make a meaningful impact. 

Sone Aluko -- N/A

Subbed on for Olise but had no time to make a difference.