Brentford 0 Middlesbrough 1
Ayala 59
Middlesbrough moved six points clear at the top of the Championship after beating Brentford at Griffin Park.
Daniel Ayala scored the only goal of the game when the Spanish
defender capitalised on a mistake from Brentford keeper David Button to convert
Grant Leadbitter’s corner.
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| Daniel Ayala taps in Boro's winner (Picture from m.thenorthernecho.co.uk/) |
The result could have been different if it wasn’t for a flurry
of first half saves from Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopulos, who has now kept a
club record nine consecutive clean sheets in the league.
Boro’s victory gained more significance, with the news that
second place Derby had been held at home to Reading.
It was the first home defeat for Brentford boss Dean Smith
since he took charge at the end of November.
The hosts should have taken the lead mid-way through the
first half when Ayala, the eventual hero, was dispossessed inside his own half by Lasse
Vibe.
That allowed the Brentford forward to go through one-on-one
with the keeper, but he was thwarted by Konstantopulos who spread himself well.
At the other end Button was called into action when David
Nugent chested the ball into the path of Cristhian Stuani who fired straight at
the keeper.
Even so Konstantopuols continued to be the busier of the two
number ones, saving Alan Judge’s volley at his near post before tipping Sam
Saunders' dipping free kick over the bar.
The winning goal came after 59 minutes when Button’s punch
from a corner spun back towards goal, allowing Ayala to convert from close
range.
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