Reading 0 Middlesbrough 0: Look at the table is Boro chief Mowbray’s message to the fans

A quick and lively first half gave way to a tiresome and tedious second, as neither side could open up the other’s defences.

Reading’s Australian goalkeeper Adam Federici produced a super double save to deny Middlesbrough pair Scott McDonald and Marvin Emnes, and Adam Le Fondre and Simon Church went close for the Royals.

Emnes and Barry Robson hit the post late on, as Boro piled on the pressure, but in the end the two teams had to settle for a point.

“We had the chances to win but they just didn’t go in,” said Mowbray. “We are now averaging two points a game and with that we will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. We are not head and shoulders above other teams but to supporters who say we are not scoring enough goals I say just look at the table.

“We try to win every game and we have got a few goals on the road this season. I thought it was decent game. We didn’t get out of the blocks well and Reading started fast and were dynamic.

“We didn’t win the match but the best chances fell our way. We hit the post twice and Scott McDonald had a great chance in the six-yard box that he put wide.”

Mowbray was full of praise for Emnes who was at the heart of much of Boro’s best action.

“Marvin had a tough time at Middlesbrough earlier on in his career. It’s nice now to see him playing with a smile on his face. He has signed a four-year contract so fears of him moving on have gone.”

Reading’s Brian McDermott was pleased with his side’s performance and he described the clean sheet as “massively important.”

Reading: Federici, Cummings, Pearce, Gorkss, Jo Mills, Robson-Kanu (Manset 74), Tabb, Leigertwood, McAnuff, Le Fondre, Church (Hunt 82). Unused substitutes: McCarthy, Karacan, Harte.

Middlesbrough: Ikeme, Rh Williams, Bates, McManus, McMahon,Robson, Bailey, Haroun (Thomson 58), Hoyte (Arca 65), Emnes, McDonald (Nimely 80). Unused substitutes: Zemmama, Martin.

Referee: A Taylor (Cheshire).

Man of the match: Marvin Emnes.