#OnThisBoroDay 2007: Boro get revenge for their opening day collapse against Reading with a 2-1 victory in reverse fixture

Revenge is sweet.

The opening-day collapse at Reading had been a disastrous start to Gareth Southgate’s reign as Boro boss.

Two ahead and coasting, Boro looked every inch a cut above against the newly promoted side at the Madejski.

That was until Dave Kitson struck on the stroke of half-time. Steve Sidwell equalised less than a minute later before Leroy Lita completed the comeback just 10 minutes into the second period.

It was an early peek at the brittle nature of the Boro spine.

But there was no repeat in the reverse fixture as Boro got the better of the Royals in an end-to-end hotly contested clash at the Riverside on this day in 2007.

By the time substitute John Oster scored an 87th minute consolation, it was far too late to fear another collapse.

In truth, a goal was probably the least Reading deserved in an entertaining encounter.

Julio Arca in action against Reading in 2007

But once Yakubu had added a second to Mark Viduka’s early opener, Boro never looked in any danger of letting another lead slip.

It was an impressive display. Reading had taken to life in the Premier League well and were flying high in sixth position - just six points behind Arsenal occupying the final Champions League spot.

But Boro were building momentum all the time. A heavy defeat at Chelsea the week earlier was Boro’s first defeat of the calendar year and just their second in nine games.

An FA Cup fifth round replay with West Brom at the Hawthorns was next up just three days later and Boro would head there brimming with belief.

So would a certain Korean striker who made his debut in the clash with Reading.

Lee Dong Gook almost made the perfect start to life at Boro after coming off the bench in the 85th minute.

And although the post prevented the front-man grabbing a debut goal, it was a memorable occasion for the 27-year-old.

“I will never forget it,” he told the Gazette.

“The fans gave me a fantastic reception and I’m really happy that I could join in.

“I want to play more and for longer and will learn what Yakubu and Viduka have done for the club.

“I want to make a bigger contribution and a contribution to scoring goals.”

Unfortunately for the striker, his cameo against Reading would prove to be a rare highlight of his time on Teesside.