MIDDLESBROUGH surged to the Championship summit with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Monday night, extending their remarkable winning run to six matches.
Boro Dominate First Half
The visitors established control early with Tommy Conway breaking the deadlock in the 19th minute, finishing a slick move involving Luke Ayling and Morgan Whittaker. Riley McGree doubled the advantage on the stroke of halftime, reacting quickest to head home after Hayden Hackney's long-range effort rattled the post.
"It was an amazing game of football - exactly the kind we all love," said Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg. "After the first 10 minutes, we took control and were brilliant."
Blades' Frustrated Comeback Attempt
Sheffield United showed renewed vigor after the break, with Patrick Bamford reducing the deficit in the 73rd minute with a composed finish. However, their hopes of salvaging a point evaporated when substitute Joe Rothwell received a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Alan Browne with 10 minutes remaining.
United manager Chris Wilder admitted: "They were the best team we've faced this season. The sending off killed our momentum, but there's no arguing with the decision."
Title Race Heats Up
The victory sends Middlesbrough two points clear of Coventry City at the top, completing a remarkable turnaround since November when they trailed the Sky Blues by 10 points. Hellberg's men now face a crucial top-of-the-table clash against Coventry next Monday, live on Sky Sports.
For Sheffield United, the defeat leaves them eight points adrift of the playoff places, with Wilder describing the result as "a reality check" for his squad.
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