Pulis finds a Friend indeed late in the day
TONY PULIS was delighted with a first win at Reading as a manager as Middlesbrough got their promotion challenge back on track.
Defender George Friend, 31, answered the call in the 77th minute to spare the blushes of Boro’s toothless attack.
It ended a damaging run of five matches without a victory for the Teessiders but was tough on the Royals who gave caretaker manager Scott Marshall their all.
This was Marshall’s last game at the helm, with Portuguese side Rio Ave’s boss Jose Gomes – who was at the ground yesterday – confirmed as new boss last night ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Millwall.
Pulis said: “It is about time I won a match here as a manager but, of course, it’s more important for the club.
“We came here very disappointed with the last two performances and the lads have shown a lot of character today.
“We had got away a little from the strong defensive unit being so desperate to score more goals – but we looked solid today and created good chances.”
Marshall said: “I have really enjoyed the experience, being at the frontline and feeling the nerves jangling over first-team football has been good.
“The new manager is coming into a club with some good players.”
Boro club legend Bernie Slaven pledged this week that he would strip naked in a local shop window if the team make the automatic places this season.
He did it once before, 20 years ago after his beloved club surprisingly won at Old Trafford.
Reading went close to taking the lead as the ball fell to Sam Baldock in the area but Darren Randolph saved his shot well with his legs.
Boro’s Championship-low mark of 16 goals conceded, though, rarely looked under threat.
And the vital breakthrough for them came after 76 minutes when Paddy McNair, a first-half substitute for the injured Ryan Shotton, teed up Friend to fire home.