Middlesbrough eased the pressure on manager Michael Carrick as Finn Azaz and Tommy Conway scored second-half goals to seal a 3-1 win at struggling Stoke.
Boro had lost their five previous games and had not won on their travels since beating Hull on New Year’s Day.
Stoke’s South Korean star Bae Jun-ho cancelled out Marcus Forss’ first goal of the season, but Boro wrapped up victory to boost their faltering play-off hopes.
Conway, who had missed a sitter to make it 2-0, assisted for Azaz to restore the Teessiders’ lead after 52 minutes.
The duo combined again 21 minutes later, with Conway atoning for his earlier blunder with a 10th goal of the campaign.
Boro certainly did not start like a team low on confidence and short on wins and they might have been in front before Forss fired in a terrific opener.
Morgan Whittaker blazed over but then forced a first save of the game from Viktor Johansson after Conway’s initial effort was blocked by Ashley Phillips.
The visitors’ goal started in their own half and Whittaker’s assist was the last pass of a fine move, finished off in style by Forss.
Conway should have doubled the lead on the half-hour but after Forss crossed from the Potters’ left, the former Bristol City star fired over from a couple of yards.
Stoke used the miss as badly-needed inspiration. Lewis Baker scored one of City’s all-time best goals in the previous home game against Swansea; a magnificent effort from inside his own half.
This time he let fly from just outside the penalty area. Goalkeeper Mark Travers saved and rose quickly to block Million Manhoef’s follow-up.
Stoke equalised against the run of play before the break. Andrew Moran crossed into the area and Bae ran in to score his second Championship goal of the season with a low right-foot effort.
If Stoke believed the tide had turned, seven minutes into the second half Boro regained their lead.
Hayden Hackney powered forward and slipped a pass to Conway who smartly created the assist for Azaz.
Conway then wasted another chance to put the game out of Stoke’s reach, firing into the side-netting with Azaz and Forss better placed, waiting for a cut-back.
But the Scot had the last word, calmly shooting home from 12 yards after 73 minutes following a one-two with Azaz.
Boro’s clinching goal- to move them within four points of the top six – signalled chants of ‘You’re not fit to wear the shirt’ from angry home fans, whose side sit only five points above the drop zone.
Chris Wilder labelled his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke a “proper away performance” as they got back to winning ways.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.An improved showing saw Sam McCallum, making just his eighth start of the campaign, score late in the first hal...

Goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks ensured Sheffield United returned to winning ways with by beating Stoke 2-0.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.McCallum had scored just one goal since his summer move from Norwich but popped up at the back post when Rhian Brewster&rsquo...

Partick Thistle stunned title-chasing Falkirk as Terry Ablade secured a dramatic 2-1 William Hill Championship victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes as Stuart Bannigan’s late challenge on Dylan Tait earned the midfielder a second yellow card.The hosts had taken a sixth-minute lead through interim manager Brian Graham’s 19th goal o...

Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Then & Now This Klopp seeing Slot can win the league with 80 points whilst he finished 2nd with 97 No, I won't. Real Madrid released a statement protesting the referee selection for Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Run Forest, run! In comparison Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, Bleache...

WHAT HAPPENED?The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.THE BIGGER PICTUREKounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this se...

Paris Saint-Germain gave serious thought to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately chose not to move forward. Although he remained at Chelsea, signs now point to a possible departure this summer.Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and competition have kept him from locking down a regular spot in the starting lineup, ...

Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...

Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...

Birmingham boss Chris Davies says the Blues should be very proud of breaking the 100-point barrier.Alex Cochrane’s winner after 75 minutes was hit from 30 yards and was perfectly-placed to find the corner and hand City a 1-0 win at Stevenage.And it takes them onto 102 points with three games remaining.“I’m very proud,” said the Birmingham boss. “Not many teams will ge...

Alex Cochrane’s superb long-range strike was enough to take League One champions Birmingham over the 100-point mark with a 1-0 win at Stevenage.The game was the perfect example of a clash of styles, Birmingham wanting to play it around, but Stevenage aiming to outwork them.Boro arguably would have been happier with their first-half showing, Jordan Roberts pulling a low shot wide of the targe...



- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Conor Gallagher's girlfriend dazzles on red carpet as stars gather in Madrid