Reading FC can count themselves unlucky not to come away with at least a point from the Riverside Stadium - but they need to be more clinical, writes Nicholas Tunney.

Apart from the first 10 minutes, Reading controlled possession for large periods against Middlesbrough and they will definitely rue some missed opportunities and the goal they conceded too.

A free kick whipped in with not much pace went straight in from Marvin Johnson with Reading unable to clear. The marking wasn't great for the goal and Jose Gomes called the goal "strange" afterwards.

I personally believe someone at the near post could have cleared the ball to deny Boro the winner but the Royals, to their credit, could have had an equaliser.

Darren Randolph made two world-class saves late on. The save from Lucas Joao's bullet header was incredible and Reading huffed and puffed throughoout the last 10-15 minutes without a deserved reward.

There were some impressive displays. I thought the back three again looked solid in the main, Rafael Cabral made a couple of decent stops and John Swift pulled the strings in the engine room.

Yakou Meite was also thrust into action for his first league start for a few games and did well, stretching Boro's defence especially in the first 45 minutes.

Was Gomes right to leave Puscas and Joao on the bench? I think Meite did a sterling job up top and Puscas has had two international games in quick succession. 

Gomes went for broke, introducing both the Romanian and Joao late on and there is no denying that it was bold to have three strikers on the pitch towards the end.

Overall, Reading can take heart from the performance but results are what the Royals need.

Four defeats in seven doesn't look great and a big game awaits the Royals against Blackburn on Saturday at the Mad Stad.