Akpom’s at the double as Boro turn up the heat
MICHAEL CARRICK would not be drawn on being the hunter or the hunted after Middlesbrough moved to within four points of Sheffield United.
Championship top scorer Chuba Akpom netted twice to make it 19 league goals amid a powerful second-half performance as the hosts claimed their fifth straight win.
There was little to choose between the sides in the first half but the hosts showed their intent immediately after the break when Riley Mcgree’s shot was tipped on to the post by QPR keeper Seny Dieng.
Dan Barlaser’s floated cross found Akpom free in front of goal and he guided his header into the corner on 64 minutes.
Boro were awarded a penalty when Mcgree was fouled by Tim Iroegbunam with Akpom firing home the rebound after Dieng parried his spot-kick 13 minutes from time.
Ilias Chair pulled one back for QPR with the cheekiest of free-kicks late on only for Mcgree to drive home a close-range shot.
The Blades were 10 points ahead a week ago but Boro’s win at Bramall Lane and the South Yorkshire side’s late defeat at Millwall sees them breathing down their necks.
Carrick though insisted the focus was on taking it each match as it comes, saying: “It’s just about winning games really regardless of where you are in the league.
“I’ve said it all along, same old answer, but that’s the type of thing we can’t get into – whether we’re chasing, whether we’re not chasing, where we are in the league.
“It’s just about being better next week, improving and winning games as much as we can. If we can’t win then we’ll end up where we end up.”
QPR extended their winless run to 10 games in which they have taken just five points. Reports say boss Neil Critchley is fighting to save his job after just 11 league games in charge but he believes the team can turn things round.
He said: “When I’ve seen the players play like they’ve done in this type of atmosphere away from home, I’ve got full belief.
“We just need that little bit of luck and things to go for us.”
He praised their first-half display before adding: “The way it’s going for us at the moment is when the opposition are having their moments we can’t grind it out.”