Middlesbrough verdict: Neil Warnock’s shrewd tactics which nullified Reading's attackers after Ashley Fletcher and Marc Bola goals

Neil Warnock’s side had been drifting away from the Championship play-off places since the start of the year but claimed a big three points against a top six rival here.

First-half goals from Ashley Fletcher and Marc Bola secured a valuable 2-0 win for the Teessiders.

We take a closer look at some of the main talking points:

Summary

Warnock made just one change to his starting XI following Boro’s 2-1 win over Huddersfield last time out, with Dael Fry replacing Grant Hall at the back.

Hall’s omission did appear harsh on the defender after his excellent display in midweek, yet it seemed inevitable given Fry’s performances this season.

Fry’s return from a calf issue was a big boost for Boro who came under some pressure in the early exchanges.

Even so, Marcus Bettinelli wasn’t really tested and it was the visitors who took the lead on 22 minutes, when Paddy McNair’s in-swinging free-kick was headed back across goal by Fry for Fletcher to prod the ball home.

Boro haven’t scored many from set-pieces this season, despite McNair’s inviting deliveries, so this will have been especially pleasing for Warnock.

The second goal, which came seven minutes later, will have been just as satisfying, as Sam Morsy’s determination and tenacity to hold off two Reading defenders in the box paid off.

Morsy then laid the ball back to Bola who struck it into the top corner for his first goal of the season. Interestingly, the full-back joined in with the shooting practice during the warm-ups, rather than training with the other defenders.

Reading continued to dominate possession and created a couple of chances, yet Boro’s defence stood firm in the second half.

Tactics

Warnock stuck with the same 5-2-1-2 formation which he deployed against Huddersfield last time out, yet the system was fluid against Reading’s 4-2-3-1 formation.

Bola and Darnell Fisher started as the wing-back, yet there were times when it looked like Boro were playing with a back four, with the latter pushing on and Anfernee Dijksteel picking up Reading’s right winger Ovie Ejaria.

Duncan Watmore also showed his versatility and was asked to track Royals right-back Andy Yiadom when the defender charged forward.

Ultimately, Boro’s extra defender gave the visitors more security and the players communicated well to make sure they nullified Reading’s attacking players.

Midway through the second half, the visitors adopted a more natural 4-2-3-1 system, with Marvin Johnson replacing Watmore on the left, while Fisher maintained an advanced position on the right.

Boro kept their shape and kept Reading out.

Star man

This was an efficient team performance from the visitors and there were several contenders for man of the match.

Morsy was excellent in midfield, assisting the second goal while snapping into tackles as Boro came under pressure.

Bola saw out his defensive duties and scored a stunning goal, while Fry was commanding at the back.

I’d probably just give it to Morsy.

What’s next?

Boro now have back-to-back home games against Bristol City and Cardiff next week.

Warnock’s side are five points behind Reading in fifth and three off the play-offs after Bournemouth’s defeat at QPR.

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