English Championship: 3 in 3 - Middlesbrough 1 - 0 Stoke City - As it happened

Stoke City Manager Nathan Jones applaud fans after the match - StokeSentinel

Britt Assombalonga's 14th goal of the season lifted Middlesbrough back into the Sky Bet Championship's top six by securing a 1-0 win over Stoke at the Riverside Stadium.


Assombalonga's predatory flick in the second minute proved enough to ensure Boro made it three wins in a row for the first time since August and keep hopes of promotion alive.

Assombalonga timed his run into the box perfectly to flick in Jonny Howson's cross after John Obi Mikel's excellent diagonal pass into the right corner proved perfect for the wing-back to run on to.

Middlesbrough Manager Tony Pulis said: "I'm pleased with the win. We've played much better than that and lost games at this place."

3 wins in 3 games 👏 - As posted on Middlesbrough FC official Twitter account 👇👇

A third straight win takes #Boro back into the Play-Off positions. GET IN! #UTB pic.twitter.com/2XkAurm5mP

— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) April 19, 2019

Stoke City Manager Nathan Jones said: "The only two things I am disappointed with are the start and then the cutting edge. We haven't taken one of the umpteen chances we had."