Chaplin has last laugh on Woodgate
JONATHAN WOODGATE backed his misfiring Middlesbrough side to beat the drop after fans turned on them as their winless run stretched to eight games.
Conor Chaplin’s 13th goal of the season saw Barnsley move off the bottom spot and within six points of the visitors.
Boro were booed off and their travelling support vented their fury with sub Rudy Gestede who was involved in a heated exchange as he went down the tunnel.
Woodgate said: “We had absolutely fantastic support and I don’t blame them for being angry and going crazy.
“We are going to have to take it on the chin.
“I’ve got experienced players and I am sure we will turn it around.
“People might think I’m crazy thinking that but I actually believe that.”
Chaplin’s 73rd-minute winner was well deserved. Clarke Oduor crossed from the left and Jacob Brown peeled off at the back post to head perfectly into his path.
The frontman fired his first effort against the underside of the bar but kept his cool to crash home the rebound.
Boss Gerhard Struber said: “We won everything. Every single duel we were the winners.
“The attitude and energy was amazing, I’m very proud of my team.
“My three centre-backs created a special performance to celebrate a big win against a big team. It’s two clean sheets in a row, two victories, six points. The atmosphere’s been okay but right now it’s top.”