Middlesbrough back top after gritty win over Sheffield Wednesday

Boro back top after gritty win over Wednesday

Sky Bet Championship

Middlesbrough moved to the top of the Sky Bet Championship for a day at least after edging to a 1-0 victory over promotion rivals Sheffield Wednesday.

The only goal of the game arrived inside the opening 45 seconds when Cristhian Stuani turned in at the near post from Stewart Downing’s delivery in Boro’s first attack at goal.

Chances were few and far between at the Riverside but the hosts held for a third successive win which was enough to leapfrog Derby, who could return to the summit if they beat Leeds tonight.

Boro are now five points clear of third-placed Hull, who lost ground on the top two after losing 1-0 at Preston.

Boro boss Aitor Karanka was delighted to get past a “dangerous” Wednesday side.

“We knew that they played on Saturday, but they have a good squad and players who can change the game. They are really dangerous,” he said.

Hull were hoping to keep the pressure on Derby and Middlesbrough but returned from Preston empty-handed as Paul Gallagher grabbed the only goal in the 66th minute, firing home Daniel Johnson’s free-kick.

Burnley were the big winners in the top six as an Andre Gray hat-trick fired them to a 4-0 home win over Bristol City. Scott Arfield netted the Clarets’ other goal.

Brentford climbed to eighth thanks to a 2-1 win at Reading which was secured by two stunning strikes at the Madejski Stadium.

Dean Smith’s men went in front thanks to a 25-yard strike from Ryan Woods but the Royals pulled level through Garath McCleary (58).

However, the Bees left Berkshire buzzing as Sergi Canos saw off Stephen Quinn and Michael Hector before drilling home from the edge of the box in the 72nd minute.

Birmingham are just behind Brentford on goal difference after Jacques Maghoma’s strike helped them to a 1-0 win at home to MK Dons.

Bolton gained some respite after difficult times on and off the pitch as Gary Madine’s 77th-minute goal earned them a 1-0 victory over Blackburn in the lunchtime kick-off at the Macron Stadium while Wolves climbed to 11th after a 2-0 win at Charlton.

Jordan Graham put the Black Country side ahead in the 52nd minute and Harry Lennon’s own goal seven minutes from the end put the result beyond doubt.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is still looking for his first win since taking charge at QPR after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Huddersfield.

The Londoners took an 80th-minute lead through Sebastian Polter but David Wagner’s team levelled thanks to Nahki Wells’ free-kick six minutes later.