POWDERPUFF BORO CHAMP AT THE BRITT

LEWIS WING defended misfiring duo Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher after Boroh slipped into the drop zone.

Boro could not break down 10-man Fulham at the Riverside. The Cottagers had keeper Marek Rodak sent off in the 17th minute for handling outside his area in a one-on-one with Jonny Howson on the end of Wing’s delivery.

Assombalonga (above) and Fletcher both missed chances and Boro, winless in seven matches, have now gone over four-and-ahalf hours without scoring.

But Wing is backing the frontmen. He said: “They’re two good strikers. I believe in them and the whole team believes in them. We have to keep getting behind them and make sure we help them put the chances in.

“We’re a team together, we stay together. I wouldn’t blame anyone. Scoring has been a problem but we’re creating chances. Once one goes in, we’ll score a lot.’’

Boro, who have recorded only two wins since Jonathan Woodgate was appointed manager this summer, lost 1-0 at home to West Brom and drew 0-0 away to Huddersfield before another stalemate with Fulham.

Wing, who hit the post with a free-kick, stressed: “It’s not a nice place to be in the relegation zone, but we’re positive we’ll get out of this rut and win games.”

Fulham boss Scott Parker, who believes ex-england colleague Woodgate will get things right, said: “You could compare Boro a bit to Stoke. They’re down there at the wrong end of the table, but they have a good squad and a good, young coach.’’