Coburn’s sting hits Hornets

MICHAEL CARRICK insists Middlesbrough have not turned a corner just yet – despite claiming a third victory in a week.

Local lad Josh Coburn struck the winner as Boro climbed out of the bottom three.

It came after Vakoun Bayo and Wesley Hoedt efforts had hauled Watford back from 2-0 after Riley Mcgree had scored twice for Boro in the first 12 minutes.

But Carrick said: “We’ve not cracked it by any stretch.

“However it was a very good win – and winning after being pegged back from 2-0 to 2-2 shows great heart.

“Winning games gives you extra energy and confidence.”

It was a stunning opening for Australian Mcgree. The first he buried five minutes in after collecting Jonny Howson’s pass.

And then goal number five of the season swiftly followed as he collected Matt Crooks’ pass before finishing low.

Watford were given a lifeline as Bayo benefitted from an error by Dael Fry who missed Ryan Porteous’ long ball.

And they were level seven minutes into the second half courtesy of a thunderous half-volley by defender Hoedt.

Boro took advantage of some feeble Watford defending though as Coburn ran on to Crooks’ pass to claim his first of the season with the 64th-minute winner.

Hornets sub Matheus Martins hit the bar in injury time.

Watford drop to 20th after defeat and boss Valerien Ismael blamed himself after switching to three at the back.

He said: “I’m not very happy with myself – today was on me as I decided to change the shape and it didn’t work.” WATFORD: Bachmann 6; Porteous 5, Sierralta 5 (Kayembe (65) 5), Hoedt 7; Ngakia 5, Louza 6 (Chakvetadze (65) 5), Dele-bashiru 6 (Healey (84) 5), Lewis 6; Bayo 7, Rajovic 5 (Martins (46) 7), Asprilla 6 (Ince (65) 5) MIDDLESBROUGH: Dieng 6; Van den Berg 6, Fry 5, Mcnair 6, O’brien 6 (Smith (36) 6); Howson 7, Hackney 7; Jones 7 (Forss (78) 5), Crooks 8 (Greenwood (86) 5), Mcgree 8; Coburn 7 STAR MAN: Riley Mcgree – Two rapid goals from the Australian for Middlesbrough and they were fine finishes. REF: Oliver Langford 6