Stoke City 1-0 Middlesbrough: Nathan Collins's first-half header proves the difference at The Bet 365 Stadium
- Published
Stoke defender Nathan Collins rises highest to score the opener
Stoke moved up to fifth in the Championship as a header from Nathan Collins proved enough to defeat Neil Warnock's Middlesbrough.
The Potters made the better start and were rewarded when the Irish defender headed home Morgan Fox's cross.
They almost doubled their lead when Middlesbrough forward Chuba Akpom inexplicably headed towards his own goal, but Marcus Bettinelli saved.
George Saville's shot against the post was the closest Boro came to a reply.
Stoke overcame the early loss of Sam Clucas to injury to claim back-to-back 1-0 wins and their third consecutive clean sheet.
Collins' header was the first meaningful action, with the defender nodding home after finding himself unmarked in the Boro penalty area.
It was almost two for the home side in bizarre fashion as Akpom headed back towards his own goal from a free-kick, forcing Bettinelli into a smart save.
The visitors were struggling to create chances, but did come close in the 38th minute when Saville struck the post after Marvin Johnson's effort had been palmed away.
Boro boss Warnock made a triple change shortly after the hour mark when Duncan Watmore, Britt Assombalonga and Patrick Roberts entered the fray.
But the substitutions had little effect, with Stoke's top scorer Tyrese Campbell missing an opening to make the win safe.
Dael Fry saw a late volley blocked by James Chester, but Boro only managed one shot on target all game and they remain 10th, while Stoke moved into the play-off places.
Stoke City manager Michael O'Neill:
"It was a competitive game today and we had to make three subs due to injury. The most important thing was that we were still strong enough to defend our lead.
"We had chances at the end to kill it off and looked a threat on the break. We defended well and it is a good three points.
"It is pleasing that the younger players stood up and dealt with the physical side of the game to see it out."
Boro boss Neil Warnock:
"We haven't got enough quality in the final third really, I think that was the difference today. We couldn't create enough chances.
"The goal was sloppy, two or three lads relaxed, it was mistake after mistake and then you're up against it. Stoke are renowned for time-wasting, there should have been about fifteen minutes added time today.
"Tomorrow it's forgotten and we're on to Preston on Wednesday, it's just disappointing tonight. I thought we were the best side by far today and the difference was that little bit of quality."