Middlesbrough held to a point against Championship strugglers Oxford

Morgan Whittaker earned Boro a disappointing point in a battling display at the Kassam Stadium in the EFL Championship against struggling Oxford United.

A first half goal from Luke Harris gave Oxford the lead. But a second half resurgence from Middlesbrough saw Morgan Whittaker earn them a point.

Managerless Middlesbrough went into the game in second place, behind high-flying Coventry. Caretaker Coach, Adi Viveash, carried on in the dugout while the search for Rob Edwards replacement continued, with his side looking to make it back to back wins after a resilient win at home against Birmingham 

Jack Currie’s driven ball into the penalty spot caught the Boro defence off guard and allowed for the runner, Harris to poke the ball into the corner of the net with goal keeper Sol Brynn’s view impaired Boro defence.

Boro fought hard and the pressure finally mounted 10 minutes after the interval when the darting run of Aiden Morris gave space to Callum Brittain inside of the box, his shot is flicked on by Whittaker past the wrong footed Jamie Cummings in goal.

Following the game Viveash, when talking to the BBC Tees said: “The reality is that certainly in attacking areas, we didn’t have enough of the quality moments, we didn’t have the final action.”

“nineteen shots, three on target, that number needs to be higher if you’re going to win a Championship game.

The result means that Boro lose ground on league leaders Coventry, who are now seven points clear of them. However they did extend their advantage over third place with Stoke City loosing.

On the flip side, Rowett, when talking to BBC Radio Oxford said: “I’m really proud of the team again, I’m proud of the effort.”

“It’s another game where a point feels like you’re frustrated”

The result puts Oxford only a point above the relegation zone with Sheffield United picking up points behind them.

Boro next play league leaders Coventry at the Riverside on Tuesday 25 November at 7:45.