Middlesbrough and Hull City played out a 2-2 draw last night at the MKM Stadium, leaving both of their play-off hopes dented.
Michael Carrick‘s side led the affair inside four minutes when top scorer Emmanuel Latte Lath squeezed home a left-footed effort past Hull shot-stopper Ryan Allsop.
Just before the half-hour mark, Jaden Philogene delivered a wicked curling cross which crept inside the far post and the hosts added a second shortly after through Jean Michael Seri.
Boro fought back in the second period and Finn Azaz found the crucial leveller which ultimately shared the points on Humberside.
Speaking post-match, Carrick issued a rallying call to Middlesbrough supporters ahead of the Championship run-in.
Michael Carrick praises Middlesbrough supporters
A mid-week clash, particularly away from home, can usually result in lower attendance, but that wasn’t the case for the Boro fans who sold out their 2,270 ticket allocation.
“Yeah of course the fans are vital for us and no surprises they’ve turned out in their numbers and support us and the boys feel that, the boys feel it without doubt,” said Carrick.
“For us all the season is all to play for, the points difference is what it is but we’ll go there on Saturday and give it everything we’ve got.”
Clearly, supporters still believe a top-six finish is attainable and they’ll be out in full voice this weekend, as they travel to East Anglia to face automatic promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
Middlesbrough still believe
Just four games remain for Middlesbrough, who will be looking to surmount a six-point gap on sixth-placed Norwich City.
With 12 points still to play for, there’s certainly still a chance of grabbing a playoff spot, though, they’ll likely have to win every game until the end of the season.
They’ll fancy their chances on Saturday, as Ipswich were held to a goalless draw by Watford in mid-week, so they’re not flowing at the moment.
Norwich have an away trip to Preston North End, who are also still in the promotion mix, so Boro will be hoping for a draw in that one, perhaps.
Anyhow, Carrick’s side just have to do their bit and devise a suitable game plan to keep the division’s top scorers at bay.
Town have netted a whopping 84 goals this term, so Middlesbrough will have to defend resolutely and can’t afford to lose concentration.
There’ll be moments to hit them in transition.