Town returned to the top of the Championship following a 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough at Portman Road, but missed out on the chance to go three points clear following the defeats suffered by Leicester and Leeds. Emmanuel Latte Lath put the Teessiders ahead in the 20th minute against the run of play before Massimo Luongo levelled against his old side. Jeremy Sarmiento hit the post soon afterwards but Town were unable to find a winning goal and keeper Vaclav Hladky made two late saves to keep the Blues on terms.

Striker Ali Al-Hamadi was handed his full Town debut as Kieran McKenna made six changes from the team which drew 0-0 at home to Watford on Wednesday.

Al-Hamadi came into the XI for Kieffer Moore, who dropped to the bench, with Luke Woolfenden taking over from the injured George Edmundson at the heart of the defence and Axel Tuanzebe for Harry Clarke, who was absent from the 20-man squad, at right-back.

Luongo took over from Jack Taylor, who was among the subs, in the centre of midfield with Sarmiento and Conor Chaplin coming into the three behind Al-Hamadi for Kayden Jackson and Nathan Broadhead, who were on the bench.

For Boro, Sam Silvera replaced Sam Greenwood in a team otherwise unchanged from the 2-2 draw at Hull City in midweek with former Town defender Matt Clarke at the centre of their defence.

The Blues started brightly, dominating the ball in the early stages and created their first opportunity in the sixth minute. Sarmiento reacted quickly to nip in front of a defender on the left and cut the ball back towards Al-Hamadi, but the ball was turned behind just before it reached the striker.

The Blues went even closer from the resultant corner, Leif Davis sending in a low ball to the near post from where Conor Chaplin shot powerfully but over the bar.

Town threatened again in the 10th minute, Omari Hutchinson, playing on the right of the three behind the striker, feeding Sarmiento, who took it on a few paces before hitting a shot straight at Seny Dieng in the visitors’ goal.

Two minutes later, Sarmiento, who was making a terrific start to the match, twisted and turned his way past defenders on the edge of the area on the left before cutting along the 18-yard line to Chaplin, who rather scuffed his effort wide.

The Teessiders threatened for the first time in the 14th minute, Isaiah Jones breaking away down the left past Hutchinson with Tuanzebe upfield, but his cross-shot was batted away by Hladky in the Town goal and Morsy completed the clearance.

But it was still mainly Town and in the 17th minute Morsy exchanged passes with Sarmiento on the left of the area and although the return was overhit, the Ecuadorian was able to cross deep from the byline. The ball reached Chaplin but the forward was unable to find the target while at a stretch.

However, on 20, the Teessiders went in front. Morsy played back to Hladky following a Middlesbrough attack and the keeper failed to get much distance on the ball. Eventually, it was played wide to Luke Ayling on the right and the former Leeds man sent over a cross towards the far post from where Emmanuel Latte Lath rose between two defenders to nod past Hladky and into the net to the keeper’s left.

After a quiet spell after conceding, Town should have levelled in the 28th minute. Cameron Burgess sent Davis away down the left and the Newcastle-born left-back chopped inside his man before cutting into the middle. Chaplin missed it but it reached Hutchinson on the edge of the area at the back of the box from where the on-loan Chelsea forward curled a shot only just over the bar.

The Blues were getting back into their stride and two minutes later had a strong claim for a penalty when Tuanzebe burst down the right and saw his cross cut out by what the Town players claimed was a Boro hand, and they may have had a case.

However, that controversy was soon forgotten with the Blues getting back on terms from the subsequent corner.

Davis whipped the ball over from the right and Luongo, who joined the Blues in January 2022 after leaving Boro without playing a game in half a season on Teesside, showed far more desire than a visitors defender at the far post to kung-fu kick goalwards, the ball striking the bar, the ground, both the bar and the ground again before hitting the roof of the net to send Portman Road wild.

The Australian’s third goal of the season saw the crowd up the volume in the following minutes and the Blues almost went in front on 32.

Sarmiento was played in down the middle by Chaplin and dinked the ball over the advancing Dieng. The ball was creeping towards goal, just outpacing the retreating Boro defenders but struck the post.

Al-Hamadi was first to the rebound and, with Hutchinson screaming for the ball to be played back to him, the Iraqi international tried a back-heeled effort which was blocked.

With Town still dominating, a long spell of Blues possession ended with Luongo stabbing a 38th-minute effort through to Dieng. Two minutes later, Chaplin seized on a loose Middlesbrough pass in their own half and tried to catch Dieng off his line but was off-target with his effort.

The Blues were, however, susceptible to Boro breaks and in the 44th minute Silvera was sent away in space on the left. The Australian international’s cross struck Burgess - on the arm according to the visitors’ vehement appeals - and fell to Latte Lath, free just beyond the penalty spot, but his shot was just palmed behind by Hladky.

Town had another claim for a spot-kick in the first of two minutes of added-on time, Rav van den Berg sliding in on Chaplin and not appearing to win the ball. However, referee Sam Allison showed no interest.

That, aside from a Boro corner which the Blues defended competently, was the last action of an entertaining but, for Town fans, very nervy first half.

The Blues had started very positively and had had chances to go in front before Boro took the lead against the run of play.

Town had a quieter spell after conceding but had regained their earlier impetus by the time Luongo netted what will have been a very sweet goal, not just in the context of the game but given his history with the Teessiders.

Sarmiento really should have put Town in front with his chance and from there Town had been on top, but while leaving space in behind for Boro, who had looked a danger on the counter-attack all half, to break into.

The Blues will feel they might have been awarded two penalties, the late tackle on Chaplin certainly appeared a good shout, while Boro were similarly adamant they should have had one for the handball not long before the whistle.

Town began the second half where they had left off the first but on 50, after Luongo had picked up the game’s first yellow card for a foul on Jones, Silvera was found on the left of the Blues’ box but blazed his shot from an angle well over.

Two minutes later, Finn Azaz cut in from the right and hit a shot straight down Hladky’s throat.

Almost immediately, Town again went close to going in front. Hutchinson brought the ball forward at pace from halfway and took it past Clarke before cutting in. The Jamaica international seemed set to score but somehow the advancing Dieng turned it over with his foot.

On 57, Boro skipper Jonny Howson joined Luongo in the book for pulling back Sarmiento on the left.

The Teessiders dealt with the set piece, putting it out for a throw and ahead of the restart, Town swapped Al-Hamadi and Sarmiento, both of whom had caused the visitors problems, for Moore and Broadhead.

Town’s subs quickly started to make an impact, as they so often have this season. On 63, Morsy played a ball forward for Broadhead spotting his run and the ex-Everton man back-heeled to fellow Wales international Moore, but just sold him short.

The Blues continued to look for a second goal and on 68 thought they’d created an opportunity, Luongo lifting a ball over the Boro backline for Chaplin, who nodded back to Moore. The on-loan AFC Bournemouth man somehow failed to find the target and may have been pleased to see the linesman’s flag had already been raised for offside against Chaplin. Soon after, the Teessiders switched Silvera for Greenwood.

Town weren’t having it all their own way, however, and in the 71st minute, after the Blues had given the ball away in their own half, Greenwood struck a 20-yard effort which Hladky saved away to his right, Tuanzebe picking up the loose ball and Hutchinson showing his skills to win a throw on the right.

In the 75th minute, Broadhead exchanged passes with Chaplin and brought the ball into the box before finding Hutchinson on the right of the area. The loanee struck a shot across Dieng, who again saved.

Town were by now dominant with Boro pinned back in their half. A minute later, Hutchinson cut in from the right and this time Clarke headed his shot over. Ahead of the flag-kick, Town swapped Luongo for Taylor.

Broadhead shot high and wide in the 79th minute with the Blues prodding and probing and continuing to look for openings.

But a minute later, the visitors came very close to going back in front. After Latte Lath had battled with Woolfenden, the ball was played to Jones to the right of penalty box and the former Tooting & Mitcham United man seemed certain to score but Hladky somehow saved down to his left.

Following the resultant corner, the Czech keeper made an even better save. Ayling crossed from the right, Clarke headed towards goal and Hladky somehow was able to turn it over from under the bar.

Boro were looking increasingly dangerous as Town went looking for the winner and on 83 Greenwood lifted a shot over from 20 yards.

A minute later, Hutchinson shot just over from 25 yards, then on 86 Boro swapped Howson for Dan Barlaser.

Dieng saved Morsy’s low 20-yard shot in the 87th minute with Town camped in the Boro half. Chaplin got to the loose ball first but the Blues couldn’t make anything of the situation.

Town made their final two subs in the 89th minute, Dom Ball and Lewis Travis taking over from Tuanzebe and Chaplin.

As the game moved into five additional minutes, Davis sent over a low ball form the left which a Boro defender diverted back to his keeper with the Sir Bobby Robson Stand ambitiously appealing for a back-pass.

In the second minute of of the five, Boro broke away from a Town corner three against two, although with Hutchinson having been fouled. Ayling was found on the edge of the box but he dallied on the ball and the moment was gone.

Soon after, the one-time Yeovil man was booked for time-wasting at a throw-in and on 95 Travis joined him for a foul.

Moments before the whistle, Town won a free-kick a third of the way inside the Boro half, following which Davis looped a cross into Dieng’s hands.

Town are back to the top after another remarkable weekend in the Championship, but with some frustration at the whistle with the game an opportunity missed following the defeats suffered by Leicester and Leeds.

The Blues were the better side throughout but didn’t create enough clear-cut chances to beat Boro, who in the end would have won but for two excellent Hladky saves.

The result puts the Blues a point clear of the Foxes, who still have a game in hand, and two ahead of Leeds with Town now having two weeks without a match due to Coventry’s involvement in the FA Cup semi-final next weekend.

Before then, the Blues, who have only three games remaining, will be looking for favours from West Brom and Southampton - now only six points behind third-placed Leeds with two games in hand - in their matches against Leicester, and the Teessiders when they take on the Whites.

Town’s next opponents are Hull City at the MKM Stadium at 8pm on Saturday 27th April by which time the league table could look very different.

Town: Hladky, Tuanzebe (Ball 89), Woolfenden, Burgess, Davis, Morsy (c), Luongo (Taylor 76), Hutchinson, Chaplin (Travis 89), Sarmiento (Broadhead 59), Al-Hamadi (Moore 59). Unused: Walton, Humphreys, Harness, Jackson.

Middlesbrough: Dieng, Van den Berg, Clarke, Latte Lath, Jones, Ayling, Howson (c) (Barlaser 86), Silvera (Greenwood 69), Azaz, Engel, O’Brien. Unused: Jones, Gilbert, Dijksteel, Bangura, Thomas, McCabe, Finch. Referee: Sam Allison (Wiltshire). Att: 28,771 (Boro: 1,324)

Photo: Matchday Images

bobble added 21:34 - Apr 13 you cant get any higher than 1st place.....great stuff to all the team..looking at the remaining games for top 3, i cannot see any losses for us, but can for other 3 teams behind us....
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jon_talbot56 added 21:39 - Apr 13 Just in case we all forget- it was a thoroughly enjoyable game which could have gone either way. And while it was not the result we wanted l saw no signs of bottling.
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blueytops added 22:11 - Apr 13 If all of the top 3 were winning their games well and we were 2 points clear at the top of the pile with 3 games left, everyone would be ecstatic, but with the top 3 dropping points there is some frustration, yet we are still 2 points clear! Let’s change the mindset of some supporters on here and be positive and look at where in 3 weeks time and reflect on a wonderful season wether its a 46, 48 or 49 game campaign!

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blueytops added 22:14 - Apr 13 2 points clear of 3rd to clarify
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inghamspur added 22:28 - Apr 13 Really painful watching us trying to get over the Iine.
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bobble added 23:10 - Apr 13 just cleaning up the kitchen this morning and looking out the window theres a band of thick white fog in the valley below , the sun is streaming down on our field below the house where 2 kangaroos are happilly munching the grass, and theres a gentle birdsinging sound through the trees the local butcher bird is warbling.... bbblue and wwwwhite aaarmy....
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blueboy1981 added 23:42 - Apr 13 Why do people keep comparing the situation now with commiserations of ‘look what we were doing’ last Season ? - it’s COMPLETELY IRRELEVANT what we were doing, or who we were playing last Season. Of course, we’ve had a Good Season, and Done Well - but we need to continue to, if the Step Up to the Premiership is a Reality, and not just a talk about Pipe Dream. One thing is certain, and that is, Leicester, Leeds, and Ourselves, will need to improve significantly on recent performances to avoid being slaughtered by virtually any Team in the Premiership, should Promotion be achieved. We, wouldn’t last long in the Prem’ without pretty Heavy Player Investment - and that will cost Mega Bucks !! This has to be, and will be, a consideration for the current Top Six Clubs. No one wants to ‘go up’ - and start the next Season as Relegation Favourites. A Crucial time for all of the Top Six Clubs.

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SpiritOfJohn added 06:53 - Apr 14 Terrific game yesterday and all of the players gave their all at a very noisy Portman Road. Al-Hamadi looks a good buy, but was running on empty after 40 minutes - he will be stronger next season. Chaplin looks a bit lost without his mate Burns. Getting Wes fit and Moore ready to start again could be absolutely key for us. Well done Coventry for getting to the FA Cup semis - I hope you go on to beat Man United after extra time.

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Dissboyitfc added 07:31 - Apr 14 Great game yesterday and no signs of bottling it, whilst disapointed not to get the 3 points, there was no lack of effort and it was certainly entertaining! Cant believe all the negativity on here, but then again maybe i can!
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Dissboyitfc added 07:42 - Apr 14 if Leeds and Leicester had both won and we won 5-0 we would still have been 3rd so i would say gaining top spot with a draw is more reason for positivity than negativity !
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TractorfactorSteve added 10:31 - Apr 14 Blueboys supreme footballing insight would Be improved If he Leant wheN aNd wheN nOt to use CaPiTaL letters.
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Linkboy13 added 11:03 - Apr 14 It's amazing how people can still find negatives about being top of the league with a squad that's over achieving big time. This squad would struggle without the brilliant motivation and tactical ability of Keiron McKenna so let's enjoy it while we can. I suggest the glory hunters and band wagon jumpers go and support Man city or Liverpool. I have supported the team for over sixty years and will still do no matter what happens this season.

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warktheline added 12:43 - Apr 14 @blueboy, stop posting such nonsense! You were blowing trumpets for Norwich and now it’s Southampton! Both of these clubs have spent considerable time in the Premier, in total contrast to our demise throughout the Evans era. It’s relevant with all variables considered. We’ve come from ‘nowhere’ since the takeover and instalment of McKenna. Our resources have been pitiful in comparison to Leicester, Leeds, Southampton and other clubs that have dropped into the championship from Premiership over recent seasons! May I also add, unlike for instance, Leicester, we’ve adhered to financial rules! We are excelling all expectations bar the ‘ungrateful few’ that have this ‘miss guided concept’ that we should be ‘blowing away all opposition’. McKenna himself has gone on the record stating he wasn’t expecting his team to be in such a lofty position….play offs were targeted, and most certainly nothing beyond our first season back in the championship! Where do you get off Blueboy? We have done the double over underachieving Southampton, whom sit adrift of our points tally…games in hand are not points! Norwich’s season has been totally dwarfed by ours in every aspect! So who has wanted it more throughout the course of the season? You are quick to bang on about ‘reality checks’ on the rare occasions when we haven’t won, and used every angle, no matter how ridiculous, to belittle Mckenna’s success over the past couple of seasons. You’ve been proved wrong at every argument and continue to make yourself a laughing stock on this platform!

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pauldart added 17:18 - Apr 14 Well said warktheline , I'm starting think that some just post negatively to get a reaction. Goodness knows if we were languishing between Sheffield Wed and behind Plymouth what the comments would be like. If we don't quite make it so be it, I'm sure we are likely to have raised our profile and will make a difference when summer transfer merry-go-round starts again . Club is in such a better place and will only go in one direction .

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Gforce added 20:22 - Apr 14 @bobble......Have you been on the magic mushrooms?
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