AMSTERDAM – A pair of US World Cup hopefuls took to the field Tuesday in England, with Danny Williams and Reading reclaiming a promotion playoff slot with a 2-0 home victory over Middlesbrough.
The central midfielder put in a top-notch showing that included a game-high five interceptions and several passes that drove the Royals forward. Williams also threatened to score from long range twice in the opening half-hour, only to watch Boro netminder Dimitrios Konstantopoulos foil him each time with a terrific save.
Thanks to their first win in four, Reading moved one point up in the six-team race for the Championship's last ticket to the playoff for a place in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Tim Ream and Bolton saw their seven-game bulletproof run end harshly with a 1-0 defeat against already-crowned champs Leicester City at the Reebok Stadium.
The left back did most of his work in defense, as Wanderers managed just 38 percent ball possession on the night. Despite the result, Bolton held firm in 14th place.
