3 things we clearly learnt about Middlesbrough after their 3-1 win over Stoke

Middlesbrough kept their Championship play-off hopes alive on Saturday afternoon, as they beat Stoke 3-1 at The Riverside Stadium.

Things started well for the hosts, who took the lead when Matt Crooks latched onto Jonny Howson’s through ball, before firing home a deflected effort from just inside the area with 20 minutes on the clock.

Minutes later, things would get better for ‘Boro, as a Howson free-kick from the left was headed into his own net by Stoke midfielder Lewis Baker.

With ‘Boro taking that 2-0 lead into half time, Chris Wilder’s side secured all three points with 18 minutes of normal time remaining, when Dael Fry’s header down from a corner fell to an aler Crooks, who volleyed in his second of the game.

Despite a late Nick Powell consolation for Stoke, that was enough to secure all three points for ‘Boro, who go into the final day of the regular season seventh in the Championship table, two points behind sixth placed Sheffield United.

That will give Wilder plenty to think about heading into his side’s final game of the regular season at Preston on Saturday, so we’ve taken a look at three things we learnt about Middlesbrough from that win over Stoke, right here.

Matt Crooks’ return proves a timely one

One player who will certainly have enjoyed his individual performance for Middlesbrough on Saturday, is Matt Crooks.

Returning after three games out through suspension, the midfielder got himself on the scoresheet twice to ensure ‘Boro claimed maximum points, and became the first player to reach double figures for league goals for the club this season.

Given much has been made about their lack of a prolific goalscorer over the course of the campaign, that impact from Crooks will be a welcome one, with the