Middlesbrough returned to winning ways as interim boss Leo Percovich guided the Teessiders to a 1-0 win over Birmingham City, with Chuba Akpom's first half goal deciding the game at the Riverside Stadium. 

  • Story of the Match

Birmingham started on the front foot, causing problems in wide areas as wing-backs Jordan Graham and Manny Longelo were given space to deliver dangerous balls into target man Troy Deeney, who failed to connect properly with the floated crosses. Juninho Bacuna was the first player of the game to be booked by referee Michael Salisbury, as the midfielder made a hasty sliding challenge on the halfway line.

A much needed goal for Boro

Paddy McNair entered the book minutes later, bringing down Scott Hogan who slipped past McNair after latching onto a long ball. Middlesbrough are a team out of form, but took the lead on 23 minutes as a Boro corner was met by Rodrigo Muniz, flicking the ball into the path of Chuba Akpom, who converted from close range for his third goal of the season.

Middlesbrough then began to grow in confidence, as Hayden Hackney and Matt Crooks troubled the Blues goal, keeping John Ruddy on his toes. Birmingham had a golden opportunity to draw level just before half time as Hogan intercepted a misplaced backpass, but saw his shot saved by a quick thinking Zach Steffen.

Hannibal Mejbri was introduced by Birmingham boss John Eustace at half time to replace the already booked Bacuna, and the Manchester United loanee took no time to introduce himself, shaking up the midfield and looking bright from the offset. Former United player Tahith Chong produced a good save from Steffen, baring down on goal before striking low into the hands of the American.

Longelo had a free kick tipped over by Steffen minutes later, as Birmingham enjoyed a decent spell of possession as the visitors applied pressure. Substitute Marcus Forss thought he'd put the game beyond doubt, but his goal was ruled out for offside. Boro staved off late pressure from the visitors to secure a much needed win for interim boss Leo Percovich, whilst Birmingham fell to their first defeat in five games. 

  • Man of the Match

Tahith Chong

Despite being on the losing side, Chong was a joy to watch throughout the game as his neat movement and sharp pace caused Middlesbrough problems all game. Drawing fouls across the pitch, Chong showed his class but was ultimately let down by his forwards, who failed to convert the chances created by the Dutchman. 

Middlesbrough starting XI: Steffen, McNair, Fry, Bola, Dijksteel (Smith,82), Hackney (McGree,63) , Howson, Giles (Lenihan, 70) Crooks, Akpom (Forss, 70), Muniz (Watmore,82)

Middlesbrough unused substitutes: Mowatt

Birmingham City starting XI: Ruddy, Colin (James,88), Trusty, Sanderson, Longelo, Chong (Bellingham,88) , Bielik (Hall,79), Graham, Bacuna (Hannibal, 45), Deeney (Jutkiewicz, 79), Hogan

Birmingham City unused substitutes: Etheridge (GK), Leko