CHAMPIONSHIP
Magnificent seven for Pulis
It’s magnificent seven on spin for high-flying Boro
HIGH-FLYING Boro climbed back into second place after equalling their best winning run at the Riverside in 20 years.
Not since Bryan Robson, Paul Gascoigne and Paul Merson were putting on the style on Teesside had Boro reeled off seven league wins in a row on home soil. But thanks to George Saville’s 34thminute opener and an injury-time goal from Britt Assombalonga they bounced back from their first defeat of the season at Norwich to remain hot on the heels of table-topping Leeds. Yet while Saville celebrated his full Boro debut in style, it was a nightmare return to the Riverside for Gary O’Neil. The Bolton veteran, who made more than 100 appearances for Boro, totally lost his bearings when he played the ball back into a crowded penalty area. After Riverside striker Jordan Hugill challenged David Wheater, the ball fell invitingly for Saville to sweep home from 12 yards to put Boro in front Bolton were desperate to maintain their unbeaten away record in honour of tragic team-mate Stephen Darby who has been forced to retire after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. And despite carrying little threat in a first half played almost entirely in Bolton territory, Phil Parkinson’s side defended resolutely until O’Neil’s blunder. They did have a let-off, however, when Hugill had a 21st-minute penalty appeal turned down after Mark Beevers appeared to catch him. Bolton’s gameplan to frustrate Boro started to unravel after Saville struck and the hosts could have stretched their lead with Ben Alnwick foiling Ryan Shotton and Hugill heading over. The Trotters did improve after the break as Boro old boy Jonathan Grounds’ effort curled wide and Josh Vela shot straight at Darren Randolph from close range. But after Aden Flint and Hugill went close, sub Assombalonga sealed the win with a cool finish in the 95th minute. This was a good result for Pulis because Bolton were unbeaten on the road this season, while Boro are yet to concede at home.