James Harper's stoppage-time goal gave Reading's survival hopes a huge lift with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

George Boateng fired an early overhead kick over the bar, but Reading were soon on the attack with Shane Long heading a good opening over, while a shot from Stephen Hunt also cleared the woodwork.

Stewart Downing then saw two efforts saved by Marcus Hahnemann, before the Royals had the ball in the net when Kevin Doyle poked home, only for the referee to deem that Mark Schwarzer had been fouled by Andre Bikey.

The second half was a far tighter affair with chances at a premium. Gary O'Neil curled one effort just over the bar, before Harper was on hand to fire home from 12 yards after Hunt's fine cross.

The win lifts Reading level on points with 17th-placed Bolton, who host Liverpool on Sunday.