Wilder’s praise for Boro super-subs
CHRIS Wilder thinks the match-winning impact of his substitutes against Coventry City highlights just how much progress Middlesbrough have made in a short space of time under his watch.
Wilder was satisfied with the way his side bounced back from defeat at Blackburn last week by recording a victory over their play-off rivals.
Andraz Sporar’s eighth goal of the season was enough at the Riverside to lift the Boro back into a play-off spot.
The Slovenian, on loan from Sporting Lisbon, timed his run to perfection to get on the end of Folarin Balogun’s low delivery in the 58th minute.
That was less than two minutes after Balogun, on loan from Arsenal, had been introduced along with Martin Payero in a bid to change the flow of the game, with Coventry pressing.
Wilder, whose side have lost one of their last nine, said: “We have talked long and hard about the depth off the bench and now we have game changers in there. We have competition for places.
“I was delighted we had that opportunity to make those changes when we wanted to. We felt the time was right. We needed a spark from somewhere and got that from Flo.
“It is a good result. It wasn’t a stand out display from us. It wasn’t a Forest, Huddersfield or a Stoke performance that we have previously turned in, and you have to look at your own performance and we gave it away cheaply.
“The result always is the focus and we would have liked our performance to be better.”
Wilder’s men had to be alert throughout the 90 minutes because of Coventry’s quick passing style.
Coventry, though, only tested Middlesbrough goalkeeper Joe Lumley once in the opening period – when he was needed to turn away Callum O’Hare’s first-time effort with the break approaching.
Before that, Middlesbrough were the team that created the better of the openings, even if they were hardly golden chances.
After the restart, Coventry caused more problems and rattled the crossbar six minutes into the second half when Kyle McFadzean controlled Matt Crooks’ headed clearance before volleying against the woodwork.
Wilder sensed something different was required so decided on a double substitution, with Balogun and Payero introduced.
A matter of moments later, Balogun darted past his man in the area and delivered the perfect low delivery into the six-yard box for Sporar to apply the finish.
Coventry went on the offensive in search of a leveller but failed to find a way through.
Sky Blues boss Mark Boss, who voiced his frustration at the way his side conceded, said: “We should be talking about a win, never mind a defeat. It was similar to QPR last weekend.
“We have to take the chances when they come. We didn’t do that.”