Gorgeous GEORGE!
PLUS: ROYALS NEW BOSS
Defender George Friend spared the blushes of Boro’s toothless attack to end a damaging run of five matches without a victory for the Teessiders.
But it was tough on the Royals, who gave caretaker- boss Scott Marshall everything.
This was Marshall’s last game at the helm, with Jose Gomes – who was at the game – last night confirmed as new manager.
He quit Portuguese top- flight club Rio Ave and will be in charge for Reading’s Boxing Day trip to Millwall.
Pulis said: “It’s about time. I’ve been here a few times and it’s a very welcome win.
“We came here very disappointed with the last two performances against QPR and Burton, and the lads have shown a lot of character.
“We had got a little away from the strong defensive unit, being so desperate to score more goals, but we looked solid today, and created good chances.
“When things are going well everybody gets too excited, when they aren’t going well they all get down in the dumps.
“But ‘smile’ – win, lose or draw – because the smoke goes up the same chimney.”
Boro legend Bernie Slaven pledged to strip naked in a shop window if the team make the automatic places this term. He did it 20 years ago after Boro surprisingly won at Old Trafford.
Lightning could yet strike twice. Reading went close to taking the lead early on when the ball fell to Sam Baldock, whose shot was well saved by Darren Randolph with his legs. Boro’s Championship low of 16 goals conceded, though, rarely looked under threat again.
Pulis threw on Jordan Hugill for the ineffective Britt Assombalonga, and Lewis Wing for Mo Besic and the breakthrough came after 76 minutes when Paddy Mcnair, a f first-half substitute for the i injured Ryan Shotton, teed u up Friend to fire home.
Incoming boss Gomes last n night insisted he was c capable of keeping Reading i in the Championship. They a are out of the relegation z zone only on goal difference.
“It will be a difficult mission but I’m sure we can achieve what we want,” he said.
“We must build a strong team for the challenge that lies ahead.”