- Ben Gibson - 85' OG
- Jonathan Woodgate - 81'
- Garcia Kike - 88'
Blackpool 1-2 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka is warning his troops the hard work is only just beginning as they beat Blackpool 2-1 to move to the top of the Championship.The game looked to be ending goalless before veteran Boro defender Jonathan Woodgate marked his first league start of the season with a rare goal nine minutes from time.Blackpool thought they had earned a draw when Ben Gibson turned the ball into his own net, but Kike had other ideas and netted the winner two minutes from time.This result, coupled with Bournemouth drawing 2-2 against Derby at Dean Court, sees Boro leapfrog the Cherries to the Championship's summit, but Karanka is not popping any champagne corks just yet.``It was a massive win because in Spain we say that in these pitches is where you can achieve biggest success,'' said Karanka, who made seven changes to his side.``It's been very important for us especially when we have played with six or seven different players, so it means the squad that I have is brilliant.``It's impossible to play football on that pitch. For that reason I thought to change our shape and style because it was impossible to play and I said in my press conference before the game that I wasn't going to say any excuses if we have lost the game, but we won and for me I think I don't know who can have a solution.``I think it's a lack of respect for the people who are paying a ticket to watch a game, especially this crowd who pay their money to support the team.``We are working to [stay top] obviously but this league is very difficult. It's hard to be in that position.``There are all the teams that are going to be fighting in the same way like us but we have a very good squad and a very good atmosphere in the team.``If we think everything is done now we are making a very big mistake.''As for Blackpool, this was a fourth defeat in five games but boss Lee Clark felt his side deserved at least a point from the clash at Bloomfield Road.``We're frustrated and disappointed,'' Clark said. ``You think when you equalise late in the game that you're going to take a point from it.``On a very tough pitch we've gone and matched Middlesbrough in every aspect of the game but I think it shows you the quality that their squad possesses.``We're disappointed with the two goals. One from a corner and one from a throw in. We should do better than that.``It's a frustrating night because we deserved a point. Whether we deserved a win is another matter but we deserved a point for the battling performance.``We didn't let Middlesbrough get a head of steam. We knew it would be difficult for them because they've got some fantastic footballers. Obviously the pitch today isn't made for playing good football.''ends
Game Information
- Referees:
- Chris Kavanagh
- Chris Kavanagh