Boro boss: these times so special

TONY PULIS is gunning for play-off contenders Derby and Millwall after this vital promotion win over Bristol City.

Middlesbrough leapfrogged their next two rivals thanks to Daniel Ayala’s seventh goal of the season.

And Pulis said: “We have talked about embracing these situations and not getting uptight.

“They’re very fortunate lads and these are great games to manage and to play in, and that’s the attitude we need. I love ’em.

“We have to give it everything and play and work our socks off.”

The Boro boss will have striker Patrick Bamford back for the final three league games after he was knocked unconscious and carried off in a neck brace following a dramatic clash with City defender Aden Flint. The game was held up for nearly 10 minutes as he received oxygen and was revived on the pitch by medical staff.

Bamford’s injury cast a shadow over more than 20 minutes of the first half, but Boro recovered from the blow, and Milan Djuric’s early opener, to record their first win at the Riverside over City in seven attempts.

Djuric put the Robins in front in the 13th minute when the home side failed to deal with Bobby Reid’s

looping cross from the left which hit Ryan Shotton.

Marlon Pack beat Muhamed Besic in the aerial contest at the edge of the area to nod the ball into the path of Djuric, who shot through the combined feet of George Friend and Ayala to beat Darren Randolph.

Middlesbrough drew level within five minutes when Friend rose above Flint to glance Adama Traore’s corner past Frank Fielding for his second goal of the season. His very silly celebrations went down well with Boro fans behind the City goal but definitely need work.

After Assombalonga had kissed Bamford on his stretcher as he departed for hospital, the Boro record signing wasted several good chances in the second period to add to his solitary goal under Pulis.

His wild and unpredictable finishes failed to hit the target, to his manager’s chagrin.

But in the 68th minute Traore delivered again from the corner.

His cross was met by Ayala, who lost Flint and headed past Fielding and Josh Brownhill on the line.

City boss Lee Johnson said: “I think we have to give it a right go. We’ve three winnable games but we need as many as possible bringing their A game with eight or nine out of 10 performances – and these boys are still learning.”