Akpom Set Record For Middlesbrough Against Reading

Chuba Akpom further underlined his importance to Middlesbrough with a brace in the 5-0 win over Reading in the Championship on Saturday.

Akpom opened the scoring for the hosts from the spot in the 24th minute.

He added his second of the day three minutes after the restart.

Aaron Ramsey also scored a brace for Middlesbrough, while Marcus Forss added the third goal.

Akpom has now scored 21 goals in the Championship this season,  he is also the first Middlesbrough to score 20 goals plus in a single season.

The 27-year-old also became the first Boro player to score 14 home goals in one season since Fabrizio Ravanelli in 1996-97 season.

Middlesbrough coach Michael Carrick was hailed his team’s impressive performance to boost their promotion hopes.

“It’s a great day for the whole team and I was delighted with the attitude all week.

“I thought the threats we had all day were a really good mix and it was one of those days when pretty much everyone had a good day.

“There was a period in the first half when it was tight and we had to be compact as a team but we were terrific in the second half.”

Akpom will be hoping to continue his scoring spree when Middlesbrough travel  Wales to face Swansea on Saturday.

Michael Carrick-led side moved up to third on the log with 60 points from 35 games.