Rumarn Burrell scored the winner as Middlesbrough beat Reading 2-1 at Heritage Park in Premier League 2 Division 2.
Hosts Boro went ahead on 10 minutes when Hayden Hackney converted a penalty after midfielder Djed Spence had been fouled.
Reading equalised just before the hour as Adam Liddle's deflected effort flew into the net.
But 18-year-old Burrell followed up a saved Stephen Wearne shot with 16 minutes remaining to have the final say.
Middlesbrough stay in fourth, three points behind leaders West Ham United and level with Manchester United and Stoke City, having played one match more.
Three consecutive losses leave Reading seventh on nine points.
See: Boro report
Next fixtures
Middlesbrough: 28 Oct v Newcastle (A)
Reading: 28 Oct v Aston Villa (H)
