Andraz Sporar gets the only goal as Middlesbrough battle to edge out Coventry

Andraz Sporar’s fourth goal in his last six matches lifted Middlesbrough up to sixth after sealing a 1-0 win over Coventry.

The Sky Blues, who were only a place and a couple of points behind Boro beforehand, had their chances and hammered the woodwork at the Riverside.

But it was Sporar’s eighth goal of the season that proved decisive to return Middlesbrough to winning ways on a blustery afternoon by the River Tees.

The Slovenian, on loan from Sporting Lisbon, pounced in the six-yard area to convert a low cross from substitute Folarin Balogun to edge the home side in front.

That winning goal lifted Middlesbrough, who lost for the first time in eight matches at Blackburn last Monday, back into the play-off zone

Chris Wilder’s men had to be alert throughout the 90 minutes because of Coventry’s quick passing style which caused problems.

Coventry, though, only tested Middlesbrough goalkeeper Joe Lumley once in the opening period when he was needed to turn away Callum O’Hare’s first time effort with the break approaching.

Before that Middlesbrough were the team that created the better of the openings, even if they were hardly golden chances.

After Josh Eccles had shot wide from Viktor Gyokeres’ lay-off at the opposite end, Middlesbrough went close a few times.

Sporar had a goalbound drive blocked well by Dominic Hyam and Aaron Connolly shot low into Coventry goalkeeper Simon Moore’s arms after controlling Marcus Tavernier’s pass well.

Moore made an even better stop just after the half hour mark when he was forced down low to his left to thwart Paddy McNair’s dangerous free-kick around the wall from 20 yards.

After the restart Coventry caused more problems and rattled the crossbar six minutes into the second half when Kyle