FT: Middlesbrough 1-0 Wigan

Middlesbrough took advantage of playing before their promotion rivals by returning to the top of the Sky Bet Championship with a 1-0 win over struggling Wigan.
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka.Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka.
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka.

With Bournemouth and Watford not kicking off their games against Ipswich and Derby respectively until later on, Boro stole a march on their rivals thanks to Patrick Bamford’s 17th strike of the season.

The on-loan Chelsea striker bent a low effort into the bottom corner in the 20th minute and that was enough to send Boro two points clear at the summit.

The defeat for Wigan, who squandered second-half chances, leaves them five points adrift of safety.