When Middlesbrough went behind against West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday evening, the North-East side were facing the prospect of losing back-to-back games in the Championship for the first time since November 2.
However, Chris Wilder’s side rallied during the second half, with goals from Paddy McNair and Marcus Tavernier keeping Boro within touching distance of the top three.
While other clubs will also have a say in the promotion race, Middlesbrough have at least one game in hand on the teams occupying third to fifth, leaving their fate in their own hands.
Wilder will insist that he plans to take one fixture at a time, but he also needs to be aware of the bigger picture with his team having put together an inconsistent run over the past five weeks.
On the plus side, Middlesbrough have scored 10 times in four Championship fixtures, by far their best return over such a period this season.
Barnsley’s two victories in three games is also their most productive effort of the campaign, breathing new life into their bid to remain in the second tier.
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Reading’s own resurgence has come at the wrong time for the Tykes, but head coach Poya Asbaghi will be hugely encouraged by their victories over Queens Park Rangers and Hull City.
Carlton Morris has established himself as a key player in recent weeks with the striker having contributed two goals and an assist during his last four appearances.
Providing that Barnsley can build on having conceded just five goals in six league matches, Asbaghi and the club’s supporters will not be ready to give up in their quest to pull off a miraculous survival bid
