Stoke City 1-3 Middlesbrough: Boro end losing run with victory over Potters

Middlesbrough reignited their faltering Championship play-off hopes by ending a five-match losing run with a morale-boosting victory over Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium.

Victory for Michael Carrick’s side ended a horrible run of form since their last win on 21 January, a slump which had seen them drop from fifth to 13th in the table.

The triumph lifted them back up to 11th spot and narrowed the gap to the final play -off position from seven points to four.

Marcus Forss had set Boro on track with a first goal of the season only for Bae Jun-Ho to equalise for Stoke just before half-time.

But Finn Azaz restored the lead on 52 minutes and Tommy Conway made the points safe 17 minutes from time.

Mark Robins’ Potters remain five points above the relegation zone but slip a place to 20th in the table.

More follows.