Blackburn 0-1 Middlesbrough: Promotion-chasing Boro see off 10-man Rovers

Blackburn 0-1 Middlesbrough: Promotion-chasing Boro see off 10-man Rovers
Middlesbrough moved up to fifth in the Championship after a routine 1-0 win at 10-man Blackburn.Britt Assombalonga’s close range header in the 19th minute – his 12th strike of the season – was ultimately enough for Tony Pulis and his side, who produced a dominant first-half performance to provide the platform to victory.3

Assombalonga continued his fine run of goal scoring form

Their task was helped by Derrick Williams, who was sent off just before half-time, and Boro would have added to the scoreline but for the woodwork and superb goalkeeping.Rovers registered one shot on target – but an excellent Darren Randolph save denied Bradley Dack.Boro’s third victory in their last four away games puts them firmly in the play-off picture – and they won’t be giving up on automatic promotion any time soon.Their victory heaped the misery on former player and manager, Tony Mowbray, whose side are now firmly mid-table after a fourth consecutive league defeat – the first time this has happened under his stewardship.Former Boro striker Danny Graham made his 100th league start for Blackburn, one of four changes after the defeat at Reading. Middlesbrough were forced into a defensive reshuffle following injury to Aden Flint and Daniel Ayala’s suspension and Assombalonga was restored to the starting XI after the loss at Sheffield United.The visitors started brightly, with Ashley Fletcher heading straight at David Raya, and he was involved in the 19th minute as Boro took a deserved lead.Fletcher latched onto a long ball and although his low drive was deflected – seemingly wide – Assombalonga was following in and had the simple job of heading into an empty net.Lewis Wing curled narrowly over soon after, but Rovers did not help their own cause on the stroke of half-time, when Williams was sent off for bringing down Fletcher on the edge of the area when he was clean through.3

Rovers had to play the entire second half with just 10 men due to Williams’ dismissal

Rovers tried to freshen things up at half-time but were almost further behind within minutes of the restart through Wing’s dipping 25-yard shot, which clattered the crossbar with Raya beaten.Boro went even closer 20 minutes from time when Jonny Howson’s effort from out wide looked to be heading in but Raya did magnificently well to tip the ball over.The game became stretched as time wore on, with Graham blazing over an excellent chance from eight yards, before Fletcher shot meekly at Raya.3

Pulis’ side move up into fifth, jumping ahead of Bristol City

Dack thought he had equalised seven minutes from the end when he caught the ball crisply on the half-volley from close range but Randolph produced a stunning save to deny him.The visitors responded on the break and Assombalonga’s fine low strike was thwarted through Raya, who showed excellent reflexes to get a hand on the shot and tip over the loose ball.However, one goal proved enough for Pulis and his team.

---

Leicester City transfer news: Vicente Iborra leaves club to

---

'The best young defender in Europe' - Fans heap praise on Chelsea starlet Fikayo Tomori after impressive showing for Derby County against Southampton.
The best young defender in Europe' - Fans heap praise on

---

Previous Post Previous post: Transfer news and football gossip: Man United rival Liverpool for Chelsea's Hudson-Odoi, Tottenham want Diogo Jota and Grealish, Arsenal target Ligue 1 duo Next Post Next post: Here's the online verdict on Zarika vs Phiri bout
Bad Breath: Causes & Treatment Options (Full Eps)

---

Welcome to the Evening Standard's LIVE blog dedicated to the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip. Manchester United are nearing a breakthrough over Daniel James after being alerted by
Transfer news and football gossip: Real Madrid's £106m Hazard

---

Rangers will reportedly go all out to sign Kieran Dowell on loan from Everton as a direct replacement for Ovie Ejaria. The Gers lost Ejaria to parent club Liverpool earlier this week as the youngster failed to settle in Glasgow. Steven Gerrard has admitted to being a fan of Dowell, but he gave little away when pushed by reporters as to whether
Transfer news: Sheffield United beat Rangers to the loan

---

Football clubs around the world with the most academy

---

Sunderland-bound Grant Leadbitter goes with glowing reference from Middlesbrough's Tony Pulis. Grant Leadbitter is set to leave Boro for the Black Cats having hardly featured this season, but Tony
Welcome back to Wearside, Grant! Mackem boy Leadbitter

---

It looks set to be a straight shootout between Virgil van Dijk and Raheem Sterling for the 2018/19 PFA Player of the Year award. The pair have been in outstanding form so far this season and the Liverpool man is the current odds-on favourite to pick up the gong in the coming weeks.

---

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hopeful Alexis Sanchez can contribute to Manchester United's top four challenge now he has returned from a knee injury.. Sanchez made his comeback from a six-week lay-off
Manchester United news and transfers RECAP as Alexis Sanchez

---

Alisson Becker made it clear that he believed Liverpool would be a better move for him which was the reason why he snubbed Chelsea. He added that he had always admired Liverpool and dreamt of playing at the club even before he left Brazil to AS Roma because the club has got a big history of five European Cups.
Alisson reveals reason behind choosing Jurgen Klopp's side

---

Jurgen Klopp must win a trophy to be considered a success at Liverpool, Reds legend Graeme Souness tells talkSPORT is running out of time to deliver success at the club. And Souness somewhat
Jurgen Klopp must win a trophy to be considered a success at
hollywoodadviser.com/jurgen-klopp-must-win-a-trophy-to-be-considered-a-success-at-liverpool-reds-legend-graeme-souness-tells-talksport/
IMPERATIVE The former player and manager of Liverpool admitted it will be very hard to topple the "exceptional" Manchester City but believes it can be done Whether Jurgen Klopp wins a trophy or not at Liverpool marks if the German has been a success at Anfield, according to ex-Liverpool player and manager Graeme Souness.
Jurgen Klopp left waiting for beer soaking celebration after

---