Middlesbrough Beat Wolves To Go Fourth

Stewart Downing came off the bench to score as Middlesbrough came back from a goal down to beat Wolves at Molineux.

The Teesiders, who were without a win in 3 games, fell behind to a first half header from David Edwards, however, a goal from Diego Fabbrini and penalty from Grant Leadbitter quickly swung the game before Downing’s stoppage time free kick sealed the win.

Grant Leadbitter celebrating Boro's 2nd goal
picture from (www.sportsmole.co.uk)

Downing’s exclusion was a bold decision from Boro manager Aitor Karanka, who also named Albert Adomah among the substitutes in a side which showed two changes from the side which lost to Cardiff last time out. In contrast Wolves manager Kenny Jackett made 4 changes from the side which lost 2-0 to Brentford.

The hosts nearly found themselves behind when Tomas Kalas’ long range effort was saved by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Even so Wolves took the lead moments later when Edwards arrived late in the box to head home Rajiv van La Parra’s cross from the left.

The lead was nearly doubled in the second half when Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopulos denied James Henry.

Boro drew level 19 minutes from time when Fabbrini’s low shot from the edge of the box nestled in the bottom left corner.

They went on to take the lead 11 minutes later when Nathan Byrne brought down George Friend in the area before Grant Leadbitter converted the spot kick. Downing’s free kick into the top corner came in stoppage time, as Boro moved back up to 4^th in the league.