Boro go top after late brace

Middlesbrough 2 Litex Lovech 0

Middlesbrough’s record signing Massimo Maccarone claimed a late double to fire his side to the top of UEFA Cup Group D just when it looked like they had landed themselves a Champions League drop-out in the last 32.

As the home fans among a crowd of 9,436 started to make their feelings known with AZ Alkmaar leading Grasshoppers in Switzerland, the Italian planted an 80th-minute diving header past Litex Lovech keeper Vitomir Vutov.

And seven minutes later, he added a second with a stinging left-foot drive to ensure victory and an easier passage through tomorrow’s draw in Nyon.