Middlesbrough boosted their play-off hopes with a well-earned 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers at the Riverside Stadium, moving to within three points of the top six.
Victory lifts Boro back to eighth in the Championship table, just three points behind Coventry City in the final play-off position. Meanwhile, QPR’s poor form continues as they drop to 15th after suffering a seventh defeat in nine matches.
Conway strikes early as Boro take control
Middlesbrough have endured a turbulent run of form in recent weeks, recovering from five straight defeats with back-to-back wins before their setback at Swansea last weekend.
That made Tommy Conway’s opener in the 11th minute all the more vital. Finn Azaz did well to reach the byline and deliver a low cross, which Conway turned in to spark celebrations among the home crowd.
Boro dominated the first half and could have extended their lead before the break. Delano Burgzorg wasted a golden opportunity by blazing over from a promising position, while Hayden Hackney forced a fine save with a long-range effort.
Dijksteel dazzles before tense finale
Boro’s slender lead left the game finely poised, but they strengthened their grip in the 59th minute when Dijksteel produced a moment of magic. The full-back weaved his way across the edge of the box before drilling a low left-footed shot into the far corner.
Despite the two-goal cushion, the hosts could not relax. QPR found a lifeline with 10 minutes to go when Cook stabbed home from a corner, setting up a tense finish as the visitors threw everything forward.
‘We’ve got a great chance’ – Carrick reacts
Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick insisted his side remain firmly in the play-off race and urged his players to keep pushing in the final weeks of the season.
“They’re still there [in the play-off race]. We’ve got to obviously keep that opportunity alive. Listen, it’s so close and Saturday’s another important game.
“We’re going to be saying that now until the end of the season. There are probably going to be twists and turns and we’ve just got to keep plugging away.
“We’re still in it, we’ve got a chance – we’ve got a great chance, actually – and let’s just see what happens.”
Writer’s view
This was a crucial win for Middlesbrough, but they made it harder than it needed to be. They controlled much of the game, but a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal kept QPR in contention. Dijksteel’s solo effort proved to be the difference, but the late scare from Nardi’s header served as a reminder that Boro must stay sharp if they are to break into the play-offs.
