IT'S the time of year in the football calendar when Chris Wilder's competitive juices start to really flow and he usually has a glint in his eye.

This is the period which the Sheffield United manager lives for; the start of the run home.

A marquee televised appointment against a high-flying former club under the lights in front of his people was also something that was highly likely to float his boat as well.

For Middlesbrough, Monday night did not need to be spelled out in terms of psychological importance at a venue where they haven’t done particularly well of late and had received a few punches on the nose. Win and they would go top of the pile.

Middlesbrough's Riley McGree (left) celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire.

placeholder image — Middlesbrough's Riley McGree (left) celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire.

The hosts had their own major incentive as well after weekend developments. A victory would see them move within five points of the side occupying the final play-off place in Wrexham.

The game proved a tremendous advertisement for the division and the watching audience. First-half goals in a riporaring half from Tommy Conway and Riley McGree put Boro firmly in the box seat as their easy-on-the eye midfielders simply overran United.

A goal in the final quarter from ex-Boro man Patrick Bamford got the hosts back into it and added to the entertainment. But a red card on his debut from interval substitute Joe Rothwell showed a bit too much fire and Boro secured the win they wanted, a sixth on the spin for the Teessiders.

Bamford lined up from the off in a surprise piece of team news from a home perspective, with Wilder having expressed major doubts as to his pre-match availability in his earlier press conference.

Middlesbrough's Tommy Conway (left) scores their side's first goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire.

In such a big game, the Blades chief needed all his big-game players and Bamford certainly fell into that category, despite only being at the club for a relatively short space of time.

Sometimes, such big games fail to sparkle. This was definitely not the case in a hugely entertaining first half of football in which both sides brought gifts to the table.

There were 23 chances from both sides in total and Boro had eight on target.

United started with real intent before Boro posted a riposte. A quality opener from Conway saw the Teessiders make the breakthrough and their poise on the ball and willingness to back themselves to play out of tight situations had the hosts on the back foot for a spell.

Wilder’s side responded - it was that sort of half - but a second goal on the stroke of half-time from the excellent McGree constituted a significant blow for United, who did leave holes for Boro to exploit.

Hamer got things rolling with a trademark curler that was punched away by Sol Brynn before Sydie Peck’s aim was wayward following loose play from Callum Brittain.

Boro announced themselves when Ollie Arblaster’s pocket was picked and McGree, who popped up and caused a lot of problems in the first period, slotted in Conway, who blazed a shot off target.

It was a good chance, but he would atone.

Not before United went very close to a breakthrough when Seriki, who caused issues down the right, cut the ball back for Andre Brooks, whose goalbound shot was blocked.

At the other end, Michael Cooper grasped Morgan Whittaker’s header, but he was powerless to prevent Conway from firing the visitors after a crisp passing move started by Luke Ayling and taken on by Whittaker and McGree.

Hackney fired into the side-netting before United stirred when Bamford volleyed wide before Brynn got his angles right to turn away Hamer’s curler, which was destined for the far corner.

United threatened going forward, but in transition, they struggled at times.

Tyler Bindon sold Harrison Burrows short and Peck blocked Conway’s near post drive before Whittaker cut inside on that deadly left foot of his and forced Cooper into a scampering save.

A key looking moment came just before the interval.

Cooper’s kick out was weak and the ball found Hackney. His deflected drive hit the post and McGree headed home the rebound.

United needed to make early inroads on the resumption and went agonisingly close to getting a goal back when O’Hare’s low cross flashed across goal and just missed Bamford at the far post.

Defensively, they continued to look unconvincing, starting with Cooper, who played his side into trouble with his distribution at times.

Fortunately, one such moment ended with Whittaker blasting over.

In comparison to the opening half, things were tamer. But Boro had the lead and didn’t need to push it.

Kalvin Phillips entered the fray for his debut midway through the half, to energise the home crowd as the game finally threatened to peter out.

Nice play between Boro substitute Alex Gilbert and Hackney ended in a chance for the latter, blocked by Cooper.

And then the lifeline. Quick thinking from Phillips found Hamer, whose neatly threaded pass found the onrushing Bamford, who finished well, low past Brynn.

Revived, United pushed on and another substitute in Tyrese Campbell went close and with the game suddenly in the melting pot.

The hosts were getting a head of steam, only Rothwell to soon see red in the next twist.

Sheffield United: Cooper; Seriki, Tanganga, Bindon, Burrows (Hjelde 84); Arblaster (Rothwell HT), Peck (Phillips 67); Brooks, O’Hare (Campbell 67), Hamer; Bamford. Substitutes unused: A Davies, Cannon, Hoever, Ogbene, McGuinness.

Middlesbrough: Brynn; Brittain, Ayling, Malanda, Targett; Browne, Morris (Sarmiento 87); McGree (Gilbert 67), Hackney, Whittaker (Strelec 78); Conway (Fry 78). Substitutes unused: Wildsmith, Munroe, Sene, Hansen, Ibeh.

Referee: G Ward (Surrey).

Attendance: 27,764