MIDDLESBROUGH head coach Kim Hellberg professed his delight after his side won a sixth game in a row to move to the Championship summit - after showing their promotion credentials in a keynote 2-1 win at home specialists Sheffield United.

Against a Blades side who turned over Ipswich Town at Bramall Lane recently, Boro caused the hosts no end of problems in the first half in particular when they overran United in midfield at times and went into a 2-0 interval lead through goals from Tommy Conway and the excellent Riley McGree.

United, who played their part in a very entertaining opening period and had a fair few chances themselves, set up a grandstand finale when Patrick Bamford netted against his former club.

But the dismissal on 80 minutes of Joe Rothwell, on his debut after coming on at the break, provided another twist.

Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg celebrates following the Sky Bet Championship match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire.

placeholder image — Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg celebrates following the Sky Bet Championship match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire.

Boro claimed the win they craved and provided the perfect fillip ahead of Monday's trip to promotion rivals Coventry City.

Hellberg said: "I think the whole game was a brilliant game of football. I think it was two teams that were going at each other.

"Two teams who tried to be offensive and two teams who tried to take the ball from the other team.

"I think that was everything that I love with football in terms of that type of game. I think after the first ten minutes, our players were unbelievable in balancing, taking the ball full, finding combinations, going behind them and creating a lot of chances.

Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney celebrates following the Sky Bet Championship match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire.

"I'll watch it again on the bus home, of course, but I think the first half against such a good team that had five (home) wins in a row, and scored 15 goals in those five games at home, it's been brilliant.

"So to do that performance against a very, very good team here, under lights, was impressive from the players.

"Of course, it's a big night, and a very tough opponent away from home. To get those type of results, to get six in a row, and in there having three away games that have been won in different ways, I think that's very, very impressive from the group."