It wasn't pretty but the three points are all that matter as Boro started the final stretch of the Championship campaign with a win over Wigan.
Patrick Bamford's deflected shot in the first half proved to be the matchwinner in a hard-fought clash against the Latics.
Gazetter writer Jonathon Taylor offers five observations from the game:
1) Aitor Karanka resisted the tempation to field new boys Fernando Amorebieta and Dwight Tiendalli, and Boro's defence had a steady look to it. Despite being up against a limited Wigan attacking line, Jonathan Woodgate and Ben Gibson continue to be Boro's most reliable centre defensive partnership.
2) Wigan tried to rough Boro up in the early exchanges, with James Perch in particular making two late challenges on Adam Clayton and Patrick Bamford, and James McClean scything down Tomas Kalas. But Aitor Karanka's side can more than hold their own in the heat of a battle, with Grant Leadbitter marshalling the centre of the field and showing why he remains Boro's lynchpin.
3) Patrick Bamford is prolific at this level and is crucial to Boro's promotion run-in. During a first half of limited quality, the Chelsea loanee clinically notched the opener and forced Ali Al-Habsi into a world class save immediately after. With Bamford leading the line, Boro always look dangerous.
4) Albert Adomah was back to his best, causing havoc down the flanks. It was a super display for the Ghanian, and it came at a vital part of the season. With less than 72 hours until Boro kick-off at Watford, the players must recharge their batteries quicklt to keep their promotion dream on course.
5) Boro fans better get used to chewing their finger nails - the last six games of this promotion race is not going to be easy viewing. The hosts allowed toothless Wigan back into the match in the second half and almost paid the price, when Fortune wriggled free of his marker and was denied by a Konstantopoulos save.
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