Chuba Akpom hits brace to inspire Middlesbrough’s thrashing of Reading 

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian-eligible striker, Chuba Akpom scored two of Middlesbrough’s five in their 5-0 humbling of Reading in the Championship clash on Saturday.

The Arsenal academy graduate became the first Middlesbrough’s player since 1989/90 to score 20 league goals in a single season.

His performance with his team mates has also helped Boro moved four points closer to automatic promotion slot.

Akpom scored his first and Boro’s first of the evening from the spot after Reading defender Andy Yiadom was penalised for blocking Aaron Ramsey’s pass with his arm.

Boro doubled their advantage moments before the break as Aaron Ramsey outpaced Reading defender before slotting past Reading keeper.

Michael Carrick’s men started the second half as they ended the first just three minutes into restart as Ryan Giles fed Akpom with a through pass for a simple tap in.

The scoring spree continued for the hosts with the fourth goal with Ramsey followed Akpom’s lead to get his now brace with a perfect finish.

Boro won their second penalty of the match minutes to end the match when Marcus Forss won it and converted from the spot to see the Teesiders extend their unbeaten run against Reading at the Riverside to seven matches.