Middlesbrough 2-3 Cardiff: The Bluebirds hold off Boro at the Riverside

Middlesbrough fell to a home defeat at the hands of Cardiff City at the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday. Boro were keen to hang onto their position at the top of the table and extend their winning run after winning last match. Cardiff were beaten 2-0 in their previous match against Millwall. Boro are now in 20th place on the table and have 9 points while Cardiff sit in 13th with 11 points after 10 matches.

Cardiff started strong and were rewarded for their efforts, with an early goal from Callum O’Dowda in the 4th minute. The momentum was again with The Bluebirds, who then scored again courtesy of a goal from Mark Thomas Harris, 20 minutes in to establish a 2-0 result. They then scored again, pulling level thanks to a goal from Perry Ng just before half-time, which saw the first half end 3-0.

The Boro took the initiative in the second half, thanks to a goal from Duncan Watmore in the 76th minute. Boro then scored once more and hit back though thanks to a goal from Rodrigo Muniz, 77 minutes in to make it 3-2.

Substitutions for Boro included Anfernee Dijksteel, Duncan Watmore, Marc Bola and Marcus Forss for Paddy McNair, Alex Mowatt, Matt Clarke and Dael Fry, respectively. Cardiff brought on Romaine Sawyers, Niels Nkounkou, Sheyi Ojo, Curtis Nelson and Rubin Colwill, to replace Joe Ralls, Callum O’Dowda, Callum Robinson, Perry Ng and Mark Thomas Harris.

There were bookings for Riley McGree from Boro, and Ryan Wintle, for Cardiff.

Boro will next play Rotherham United at home, with Cardiff facing Huddersfield Town away.