Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough

Championship

Middlesbrough boss delighted after much-needed win as he hails defender

Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock celebrating a win.

Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock has heaped praise on his side following their 2-0 victory against Peterborough. 

Goalless at half-time, Boro left it late against The Posh. Paddy McNair opened the scoring from the penalty spot and 18-year-old Joshua Coburn doubled his side’s lead to secure the win. Their injury-stricken squad only had one senior centre-back available but made sure the points didn’t leave the Riverside Stadium.

The result against Peterborough climbs them up to 12th in the Championship, winning their last two home games.

Speaking to Hartlepool Mail, Warnock said: “I couldn’t fault them, every one of them has been super.

“They all know they are playing out of position, a lot of them anyway, we have nothing else so I asked them to enjoy the battle.”

After a tough week with injuries being the unfortunate highlight, the Boro boss admitted his options are very limited.

As a manager you can’t do any more,” he said. “You have to put the team out.

“If we had got beaten we couldn’t complain about the effort. The squad is decimated, it is difficult. That’s life.”

Just over 19,500 fans were there to witness the home side leave it late and Warnock was quick to mention the Boro faithful.

He said: “I thought the crowd were quite patient today too.

“The majority of fans know. Quite simply we could have had another eight or nine points this season with a bit of luck.”


Liverpool and Sunderland among best picks as top four English leagues take shape


Bamba provides quality at back

Middlesbrough defender Sol Bamba played a vital role in his side’s victory against Peterborough.

Leading up to the game, Boro had eight senior players out with either injuries or suspensions. This left Bamba as the only central defender for the fixture.

Playing three at the back, the 36-year-old was joined by midfielders Jonny Howson and Paddy McNair. Despite their defensive troubles, the makeshift backline secured Boro’s fourth clean sheet of the season.

“In the first half we tried to take an extra touch, created some great chances second half across the box,” added Warnock. “It was a really good performance today, Sol Bamba was outstanding, Duncan Watmore, he got cramp, that doesn’t surprise me either after his work.”

READ MORE: Sheffield United boss looks to build on win as subs come to the rescue