Source: Daily_Mail
Middlesbrough 1 Peterborough 0: Boro in with a chance of the play-offs
Barry Robson hit his first goal in English football asMiddlesbrough's belated assault on the Coca-Cola Championship play-offsgathered pace. [LNB]The January signing from Celtic fired Gordon Strachan's side to back-to-back wins for the first time since September. [LNB]Strachan won just one of his first eight games in charge but Boroare now unbeaten in six and handily placed just outside the top six. [LNB] Something to shout about: Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan barks instructions[LNB]It was far from a vintage performance from the hosts, who had to survive a nervy final few minutes having failed to add to their lead, but the manager will not mind after pocketing another valuable three points. [LNB]Peterborough, by contrast, are heading in the opposite direction. They remain winless on the road, rock bottom of the table and 12 points from safety. [LNB]Scotland midfielder Robson was handed the captain's armband in the absence of the injured Gary O'Neil and made his mark after only seven minutes. [LNB]Jonathan Franks swept in a cross from the left and Robson arrived at the edge of the area to coolly slot the ball past Joe Lewis in the Peterborough goal. [LNB]Posh would have fallen further behind in the first half but for England Under-21 keeper Lewis, who pulled off fine saves to thwart long-range efforts from Franks and Willo Flood. [LNB]Scott McDonald could also have doubled Boro's advantage when he met another cross from Franks but he put his header wide. [LNB]But the hosts were given a fright on the stroke of half-time when Lee Frecklington's well-struck shot forced a fine save from Danny Coyne. [LNB]Posh continued to improve after the break but, as has been the story throughout the season, they struggled to turn possession into chances. [LNB] At the other end the lively Franks managed to fashion a shooting opportunity but his effort flew narrowly wide. [LNB] [LNB]Robson then found Franks in the area with a wonderful cross-field pass but Posh defender Craig Morgan was able to get his tackle in before the winger shaped to shoot. [LNB] Robson nearly bagged his second goal of the afternoon when he intercepted a loose ball and charged forward but his curled effort floated the wrong side of the post. [LNB] Posh boss Jim Gannon threw on striker Craig Mackail-Smith for the final 10 minutes as his side pushed for an equaliser. [LNB]A George Boyd free-kick produced a dramatic late scramble but David Wheater was on hand to block a goalbound effort as Boro clung on. Middlesbrough 2 Barnsley 1: Boro's timely lift for birthday boy StrachanJohnson makes a big impression on Manchester City defender LescottCardiff 2 Peterborough 0: Burke and Gerrard on target for BluebirdsPeterborough 1 QPR 0: Aaron Mclean strike keeps Posh survival hopes alive[LNB] [LNB]
