Tough Week For Middlesbrough
Vertu Motors-backed Middlesbrough endured a rough week in the EFL Championship as successive defeats hampered Michael Carrick’s side in its bid for promotion.
Having grabbed a point from the derby match with Sunderland, ‘Boro welcomed Bristol City to the Riverside but the game would end in disappointing fashion as the away side grabbed all three points.
Early goals from Jason Knight and Matty James would prove to be decisive as the visitors took the spoils, with a consolation from Sam Silvera coming too late to influence the end result.
‘Boro then hit the road to face Preston North End on an emotional evening as the home side honoured the late Sir Tom Finney ten years on from his death.
Preston took the lead in the opening half despite Middlesbrough arguably having the better of the match, with a shot from the edge of the box from Liam Millar skidding across the surface and into the corner of the net beyond Tom Glover.
‘Boro equalised in the second half when patient build up play resulted in the ball finding its way to Finn Azaz, who curled a stunning shot into the net from distance for his first goal for the club.
Just three minutes later however, Preston went back in front in fortuitous circumstances when a shot from Will Keane took a deflection off Rav van den Berg that left Glover stranded and allowed Emil Riis to tap into an empty net.
Marcus Forss had a late chance saved by Freddie Woodman as ‘Boro chased the equaliser but despite having more of the ball and more shots on goal, Michael Carrick’s side was unable to salvage a point.
Next up is a tough away trip to runaway league leaders Leicester City.