Boro beat Wednesday to keep play-off hopes alive

Middlesbrough achieved their second victory at their home stadium in the past eight games, which has increased their chances of qualifying for the play-offs.

Middlesbrough maintained their chances of securing a playoff spot after a commanding performance against struggling Sheffield Wednesday.

Boro gained the upper hand after Michael Ihiekwe accidently scored an own goal. The second half was dominated by Boro and Isaiah Jones ensured their victory by scoring a shot that also acted as a cross, which deflected off James Beadle, the goalkeeper.

Despite Sam Greenwood's penalty miss, Manchester United's victory was still secured and with Norwich losing their earlier game, Carrick's team remains in contention for the top six positions. This win marks their record of six unbeaten games.

The favorable streak that Wednesday had been on with their coach Danny Rohl has come to an end. They suffered a loss and have only been able to acquire one point in their last four matches.

On Wednesday, Rohl's leadership brought hope of improvement for the team, after he took over from Xisco Munoz in October. They had four consecutive victories which boosted their chances of avoiding relegation. However, things went downhill quickly after a promising start at the Riverside Stadium, where they were playing to capitalize on their previous home tie with Swansea.

Marvin Johnson missed the goal by a small margin and Anthony Musaba almost reached a pass in the beginning of the game, however, when Boro started to play at their best, the outcome of the game became predictable.

Isaiah Jones missed a good opportunity to score when he shot the ball over the crossbar. However, just before half-time, boro's Greenwood took a corner kick which was headed by Emmanuel Latte Lath and ricocheted into the goal off Ihiekwe, giving Boro the lead.

Ihiekwe prevented Dan Barlaser from scoring a second goal during added time, but the second half was mostly dominated by Boro as they relentlessly attacked.

James Beadle, the goalkeeper, stretched his leg to stop Latte Lath from scoring. This led to a corner, and during the next play, Lewis O'Brien seemed to be fouled as he was about to take a shot. Despite loud protests for a penalty from the opposition, Wednesday was able to survive this intense moment.

Jones took a shot that struck Johnson's hand, yet the officials still did not notice any wrongdoing. Latte Lath and Greenwood almost scored, but Boro eventually secured the win in the 74th minute.

Luke Ayling passed the ball to Jones who then kicked it towards the box. The ball was not hit straight and bounced off Barry Bannan in a way that confused Beadle, causing the ball to fall into the net.

On Wednesday, Boro goalkeeper Seny Dieng had to save for the first time in the 76th minute. Ike Ugbo made a great attempt, which was brilliantly stopped by Dieng. However, Boro missed an opportunity to score more goals. Bannan was caught handling the ball and Greenwood had a chance to score from the penalty spot. Unfortunately, he hit the post and missed the opportunity.

During an interview with BBC Radio Tees, Michael Carrick, who is the manager of Middlesbrough, shared his thoughts and opinions.

The match was one we aimed to manage and avoid allowing the opponent to have opportunities to counterattack. We showcased some impressive skills and maintained a strong defensive line.

We gained dominance in the game after the initial quarter-hour period, during which the opposing team had possession of the ball more frequently.

A score of one to zero can sometimes pose a threat, therefore, we were aware during the halftime break of the need to progress and gain a stronger position in the match.

We had chances to score and were a threat to the other team, but there was a lull in the game for a short period. However, out of nowhere, we scored a goal and could have even scored another one.

You need to allow yourselves the opportunity to reach the play-offs. However, the injuries have made it challenging on some occasions. Despite this setback, we are currently situated where we are and must accept the test while enjoying the experience as much as possible.

"We're currently in a favorable position and performing well at an opportune moment."

Danny Rohl, the manager of Sheffield Wednesday, revealed to BBC Radio Sheffield:

To be honest, there wasn't much happening on the pitch. We were only able to score one goal and then things went quiet. Despite our supporters sticking with us until the end, our overall performance fell short and we were fortunate to only let in two goals.

The fundamentals are important. When the ball is lost, a response must be displayed. Nobody performed well today.

Some people may use the excuse of not feeling fresh enough on Friday-Monday, but I believe this is not a valid excuse. In our situation, there is no time to make excuses. We must keep fighting, and even if we put in a lot of effort and still lose, we can acknowledge that the opponent was simply stronger. However, if we fail to invest enough effort, we must reflect on our attitude and mentality. It has been a while since our team has shown such a lackluster performance.

I'm a little taken aback because during Friday's match, we displayed a strong desire to emerge victorious and persisted until the very last minute.

The game has finished with Middlesbrough scoring two and Sheffield Wednesday being unable to score any points.

The latter part of the game comes to a close with Middlesbrough defeating Sheffield Wednesday by a score of 2-0.

In the defensive half, Matt Clarke (Middlesbrough) has obtained a free kick.

Djeidi Gassama (Sheffield Wednesday) committed a foul.

Sam Greenwood from Middlesbrough has earned a free kick on the wing located on the left side.

Michael Smith from Sheffield Wednesday has committed a foul.

Change, Middlesbrough. Finn Azaz is subbed off and Alex Gilbert takes his place.

The shot is stopped by the goalkeeper. Finn Azaz of Middlesbrough takes a shot with his right foot from a distance outside the penalty area. The ball is stopped in the middle of the goal. Lewis O'Brien helped Azaz with the shot.

The ball went out for a corner kick in the city of Middlesbrough, as Akin Famewo was responsible for conceding it.

Sam Greenwood from Middlesbrough was thwarted in his attempt to score with a shot from the right side of the box. The effort was stopped by the opposing team's defense, with Anfernee Dijksteel providing the assist.

The player from Middlesbrough named Anfernee Dijksteel has earned a free kick while positioned in the defensive half of the field.

Michael Smith (from Sheffield Wednesday) committed a violation.

In the game between Middlesbrough and their opponent, there was a substitution made. Emmanuel Latte Lath was replaced by Sam Silvera.

In the game at Middlesbrough, Isaiah Jones has been substituted out and Anfernee Dijksteel is now on the field.

The ball went out of bounds at the corner in Middlesbrough, and Anthony Musaba was responsible for it.

The ball went to the corner in Middlesbrough's half of the field. Michael Ihiekwe made a mistake and allowed the opposing team to score a point.

Rejected effort. Matt Clarke of Middlesbrough tries to score with a header from the middle of the field but is stopped. Sam Greenwood assisted with a crossing pass.

Daniel Barlaser, who plays for Middlesbrough, has just earned his team a free kick on the left wing.

Violation committed by Dominic Iorfa (player from Sheffield Wednesday's team).

Oh, it looks like Sam Greenwood from Middlesbrough just missed an opportunity to score! He took a shot with his right foot and unfortunately it hit the left post. The score is still Middlesbrough 2, Sheffield Wednesday 0.