QPR 2 Middlesbrough 3
Mackie 31 Cherry 85 Rhodes 18 Ramirez 51
Gibson 57
Middlebrough moved back into the automatic promotion places
after a blockbuster victory over QPR on Friday night.
Goals from Jordan Rhodes, Gaston Ramirez and Ben Gibson
meant that Aitor Karanka’s side applied the pressure on leaders Burnley and
Brighton, who drew 2-2 in Saturday’s lunch time kick-off.
That result ensured that Boro finished the weekend in the
top two with eight games remaining.
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| Boro's player acknowledge the fans after their away victory |
After looking comfortable at 3-1, they were made to sweat in
the final few minutes by a QPR side locked in the clutches of mid table, when Tjaronn
Chery’s terrific strike flew in five minutes from the end.
Rangers had drawn level before half time thanks to Jamie Mackie’s
equaliser but were second best after the break.
In the end Boro only just held on and can now look forward
to three home games in a row starting with Huddersfield tomorrow night.
The visitors opened the scoring when a mix up in the Rangers
defence allowed Rhodes to latch onto Grant Leadbitter’s forward pass and bundle
his effort past keeper Alex Smithies.
Rangers responded when Mackie’s strike flew over Dimi
Konstantopulos and cannoned off the underside of the bar. The assistant referee
signalled the ball had crossed the line, and replays showed he made the correct
decision.
Boro had the chance to retake the lead after the interval
when Albert Adomah was brought down inside the area but Grant Leadbitter’s
penalty was saved by Smithies.
However from the resulting corner Leadbitter delivered an
inviting cross which Ramirez headed beyond the QPR keeper.
The lead was doubled minutes later when another set piece
was nodded home by Gibson.
The points appeared to be safe until Cherry made it a nervy
finish for the traveling fans. However they held on to claim a massive three
points.
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