Local lad Hackney sends Boro joint top of the Championship

Middlesbrough 1 Vs Norwich 0

The Teesiders beat an inform Norwich at the Riverside to see themselves close the gap on league leaders Coventry in the Championship, to see their winning run extend to five in a row.

A first half goal from academy graduate Hayden Hackney was enough to earn what could be a crucial three points in the race for the automatic places.

Boro ahead of the game have been in fantastic form winning their last four in the league and scoring 13 goals in that time. Their attack has also been boosted with the signing of Jeremy Sarmiento from Brighton.

Norwich sit in 19th place however have won four of their last five including credible wins against promotion candidates Coventry and Wrexham.

The game began in an end to end and fashion with Norwich almost taking the lead when Jovon Makama’s curled strike was palmed away by Sol Brynn.

But with just over 15 minutes played Boro took the lead, Hackney’s outside of the box screamer found the top right corner and left Vladan Kovacevic a passenger.

Following the goal, neither team created to many guilt edge chances, with Makama’s half volley whistleing over the top.

With time ticking for Norwich, a long ball over the top for Makama to chase was their best chance. He beat Brynn to the ball however the recovering defenders were able to close him down and take it off his foot before he could unleash into the empty net.

The win for Boro saw the gap between themselves and Coventry close to only goal difference due to Coventry losing away to QPR, elsewhere  the gap behind Middlesbrough extended since Ipswich dropped crucial points against Preston.

Before Boro play next, Hellberg can look towards the transfer market to bolster his squad ahead of a vital period in the race for promotion.

Boro play Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Monday 9th February at 8:01.