Source: Northern_Echo
McDonald pushes Boro closer to play-offs
SCOTT McDONALD'S fortunate first half winner has kept Middlesbrough's play-offs hopes alive for another week at least.[LNB] Boro boss Gordon Strachan had set his players a 12-point target for the final four matches and his aims enjoyed the perfect start, even if it was a narrow 1-0 win over relegation threatened Sheffield Wednesday.[LNB] McDonald's third goal in nine appearances since his £3.5m switch from Celtic in January proved the difference, as Middlesbrough closed the gap to the top six to four points.[LNB] Despite Leicester's win at Peterborough United, Swansea's inability to see off Bristol City and Blackpool's thrashing at Newcastle has closed the gap with three games to go.[LNB] This was not a pretty display by any stretch of the imagination but it was enough to extend Middlesbrough's unbeaten run to eight matches.[LNB] There were chances at both ends, but the defences tended to be on top and it took a moment of luck to divide the two teams.[LNB] Middlesbrough turned defence into attack when goalkeeper Brad Jones rolled to Kyle Naughton.[LNB] The full-back cut inside and McDonald picked up play just inside the Owls half.[LNB] A quick burst created space before he unleashed a left-foot strike that deflected off defender Mark Beevers and dropped to the right of goalkeeper Lee Grant.[LNB] Now Middlesbrough, who again left out Gary O'Neil whose next appearance will trigger a £1m payment to Portsmouth, head for West Brom next week before ending with two games against Coventry (h) and Leicester City (a).[LNB] MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Jones; Hoyte, Wheater, McManus, Naughton; Franks, Robson, Williams, Arca; Lita, McDonald. Subs: Coyne (gk), Miller, Grounds, Taylor, Killen, O'Shea, Bennett.[LNB] SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY (4-4-2): Grant; Nolan, Purse, Beevers, Spurr; Soares, Potter, O'Connor (Esajas 77), Varney; Johnson, Tudgay (Jeffers 80). Subs: O'Donnell, Hinds, Simek, Gray.[LNB]
