78 CommentsMiddlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick has said he fully expects to be leading their attempts to get promotion from the Championship next season Their play-off hopes were ended by a 2-0 final-day defeat by Coventry City It is the lowest position they have placed under Carrick since his appointment in October 2022 "I'm carrying on," he told BBC Radio Tees "My focus is carrying on to what I can say to the boys today moving forward to get ready for another good season." Boro's return of 64 points and a finish of 10th is the lowest under Carrick having been fourth and eighth respectively Middlesbrough were sitting fifth with a play-off finish the least fans were expecting from a team that was scoring lots of goals But last season's top scorer Emmanuel Latte Lath was sold to MLS side Atlanta United in January who had been so impressive on loan from Liverpool did not play again following a thigh injury in January Six players - including Morgan Whittaker and Kelechi Iheanacho - were brought in during the transfer window but that was in the middle of a run of five straight losses They recovered with 16 points from seven games but they have finished with four losses out of their final six matches to fall short Boro only managed three goals in those last six matches Whittaker has not scored since arriving from Plymouth Argyle while former Leicester City striker Iheanacho only scored once having joined on loan from La Liga side Sevilla Finn Azaz had four efforts saved by home goalkeeper Ben Wilson and Delano Burgzorg shot over with another presentable chance Middlesbrough lost 11 of 22 Championship games in 2025 Carrick came in for criticism during that poor spell in February and many fans will question whether there should be a change during the close season the longest-serving manager in the second tier said that he would prepare for another crack at the Championship in August good stability within the group and we're doing a lot of good things," he said "We can add to that and improve and things can look up from there." 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The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Coventry were 17th and two points off the relegation places when Lampard was “given a chance” by owner, Doug King, in November after 18 months out of the game. 16 victories in 31 league games later and they finished the season in fifth place. A two-legged tie against Sunderland awaits, with the home leg first next Friday, but there was little celebration from Lampard, who has an eye on more success yet. Read more“I have always respected Coventry because of the history and tradition of the club,” Lampard said I didn’t quite realise the sound they make here I’m pleased that I am a small part in the club’s success because I think what’s happening now with the fans engaging and the players doing what they need to do has been a great thing for us it needs everybody together to manage to do that.” A double for Jack Rudoni earned the three points the all-action midfielder one of the players who has benefited from Lampard’s guidance Clearly the Coventry squad still reflects Mark Robins’ influence over seven seasons but nobody is better placed to offer advice on arriving in the box than the Premier League’s record goalscorer from midfield Jack Rudoni opens the scoring for Coventry Photograph: Bradley Collyer/PA“I think Thursday me and him just stayed out working on little cutbacks and finishes in different areas and it’s good because today showed that when you do that The second goal was indeed a low finish from a cutback on a breakaway a header into the bottom corner after Rudoni pulled away from the crowds to meet a Tatsuhiro Sakamoto cross Coventry were made to work for their victory. Initial domination was slowly throttled by Middlesbrough who themselves had come into the game with the chance of entering the playoffs if they could secure three points While Rudoni and Sakamoto were most dangerous in the opening half hour Boro’s Finn Azaz and Morgan Whittaker imposed themselves in the match’s middle third Conceding before half-time was not ideal for Middlesbrough but could have equalised after half-time only for Azaz’s fierce shot to be parried to safety by goalkeeper Ben Wilson on the hour Wilson also made a crucial interception to cut out Whittaker in a move that led to the second goal who had suffered a serious knee injury earlier in the season was making his first appearance since October Lampard’s decision to drop Brad Collins for Wilson was bold but paid off his decision to bring on Brandon Thomas-Asante for Ellis Simms in the second half turned the game Asante’s pace gave Coventry a direct outlet that killed Boro’s momentum and it was the 26-year-old who chased down Wilson’s clearance to put Rudoni’s second goal on a plate a period of calm may be required to get perspective on their season Carrick said that a lack of consistency had been his team’s undoing and he pointed to an organised but progressive performance here as signs that the team have foundations on which to develop Equally there will be those looking at league finishes over Carrick’s tenure of fourth eighth and 10th and wondering if it is heading in the right direction Coventry have taken 52 points from 29 games under Frank Lampard Coventry City beat Middlesbrough to book a Championship play-off spot thanks to two goals from midfielder Jack Rudoni Rudoni glanced home in the 44th minute and then sealed matters late on to ensure a fifth-place finish and set up a two-legged semi-final against Sunderland But the Sky Blues were also indebted to recalled goalkeeper Ben Wilson for victory as he made crucial saves to preserve his side's advantage Boro needed to win to have any chance of finishing in the top six and hit the woodwork through Morgan Whittaker But there was only disappointment as Michael Carrick's side end the season in 10th place Championship: Leeds win late on to clinch title; Luton down The Sky Blues were 17th when Frank Lampard replaced the popular Mark Robins in November But only the top three in the Championship have collected more points in the ensuing period than Lampard's side and they have been especially strong at the CBS Arena with 35 points from 15 games But defeats at relegation-threatened Plymouth Argyle and Luton Town had left their top-six spot in jeopardy Following that late loss at Kenilworth Road Lampard took the big decision to drop goalkeeper Brad Collins following a couple of costly mistakes in the run-in In front of a club-record crowd at the ground of 31,452 the home side were quicker out of the blocks and Ellis Simms and Ben Sheaf were both off target with good early chances made a fantastic fingertip save to deny Finn Azaz in the best opportunity of the half They were ahead shortly afterwards as Rudoni produced a textbook glancing header from an excellent Tatsuhiro Sakamoto cross Jack Rudoni has scored six goals in his last 10 games Boro have been hunting a play-off spot all season but a goalless draw at home to Norwich City last Saturday had seen their play-off chances slip out of their own hands But their results since the turn of the year leading into this game had brought just 27 points from 21 games Carrick added six players in the transfer window but they have struggled to replace the goals of Emmanuel Latte Lath who went to the MLS has not played since January due to injury They had ittle option but to attack after the break and Azaz would have equalised but for a superb block from Wilson And the goalkeeper had to be alert to save two more Azaz efforts yet substitute Delano Burgzorg wasted their best chance as he blazed over inside the area Home substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante crashed one against the post before Whittaker did likewise at the other end But Rudoni settled any nerves three minutes from time sweeping past Mark Travers to round off a counter attack the 23-year-old has been a driving force in giving his side the end-of-season chance to book a Premier League spot While Coventry contemplate what may happen in the next three weeks Boro will have to reflect on a season that has fizzled out Coventry City manager Frank Lampard told BBC CWR: "It's great work from everyone involved It's tense – it's a long week going into the game We've got ourselves into this position but it's one game and anything can happen "Our performance was brilliant in the first half and I really felt the power of us in the second half We were brilliant on the counter-attack and showed great desire to defend our box "I'm really delighted we've got there and now we've got to take a breath and understand that it's a step Now we have to recover and go again for Sunderland." Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick told BBC Radio Tees: put in a really good performance for the most part and didn't get what we wanted from the game "We didn't manage to take our opportunities and in the end "The fact we haven't got in the play-offs is hurtful enough We've created our own expectations which is the positive The boys have shown what they can do and we feel the disappointment we haven't got that there is not really much difference to be honest." 8 May (20:00 BST) – Bristol City v Sheffield United 9 May (20:00 BST) – Coventry City v Sunderland 12 May (20:00 BST) – Sheffield United v Bristol City 13 May (20:00 BST) – Sunderland v Coventry City The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made Thomas-Asante at 72 minutesSubstituteshome team Thomas-Asante at 72 minutesSubstitutesNumber 8 Ịheanachọ Match OfficialsReferee: Stuart AttwellAssistant Referee 1: Constantine HatzidakisAssistant Referee 2: Natalie AspinallFourth Official: Robert MadleyMatch StatsKey Scroll LeftScroll RightCoventry City have won four of their last five league games against Middlesbrough (D1) scoring exactly three goals in each of their last three wins during that time Middlesbrough have lost each of their last three away league games against Coventry City failing to score a single goal during that time Coventry have won their final game of a league season in just one of the last seven campaigns (D3 L3) a 6-1 home victory over Millwall in May 2021 Only once since the 2012-13 season have Middlesbrough lost more away league games than this campaign (11) though during that season (12 in 2022-23) they did compete in the Championship play-offs Coventry have won 13 of their home games in the Championship this season (D3 L6) last enjoying more victories on home soil in a second tier campaign in 1966-67 (14) Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked Matt Grimes (Coventry City) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner Matt Grimes (Coventry City) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked Haji Wright (Coventry City) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked Morgan Whittaker (Middlesbrough) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right Fourth official has announced 6 minutes of added time Joel Latibeaudiere replaces Tatsuhiro Sakamoto Bobby Thomas (Coventry City) wins a free kick in the defensive half Jack Rudoni (Coventry City) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner Assisted by Brandon Thomas-Asante following a fast break Marcus Forss (Middlesbrough) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked Jack Rudoni (Coventry City) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked Ben Wilson (Coventry City) is shown the yellow card Jack Rudoni (Coventry City) wins a free kick in the defensive half Hear the thoughts of the head coach below... Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player "I'm gutted at what I've seen but I'm also so glad this season is finished because it's been one of the most unenjoyable campaigns that I've experienced in a long long time and one of the most unlikable teams I have had the displeasure of watching." The Red Alert team discuss Middlesbrough's final game of the season after missing out on the play-offs with a loss to Coventry City and look back at what went wrong - not just in the match but over the entire season From the coaches to the players to the tactics Includes an interview with boss Michael Carrick Listen to the full episode and more on the Red Alert podcast. Related topicsMiddlesbroughChampionshipFootballTop storiesStunning stats and 'Ronaldo behaviour' - is Yamal cut out to rival Messi Frank Lampard took over Coventry City with the club 17th in the Championship Coventry City boss Frank Lampard has called on his young players to "enjoy the challenge" ahead of their make-or-break clash against Championship play-off rivals Middlesbrough The Sky Blues sit sixth and occupy the final play-off place on goal difference ahead of Millwall with a win in front of an expected sell-out CBS Arena guaranteeing Lampard's men a spot in the post-season shake-up the 46-year-old spoke of the importance of his squad embracing any pressure they may be feeling ahead of a season-defining fixture with a defeat allowing Boro to leapfrog Coventry on the final day is expected to start once more at the heart of Coventry's defence with in-form attacking midfielder Jack Rudoni looking to add to an impressive tally of four goals and two assists from his last nine matches the freshness and the youth there can keep them free going into it," Lampard told BBC CWR "Enjoy the challenges [as] opposed to being overwhelmed by them Lampard took over as Coventry boss in late November following the dismissal of Mark Robins as the Sky Blues sat just two points above the Championship drop zone with many questioning the former Chelsea manager's appointment However, 15 wins from 28 league games later, including a run of nine victories in 10 matches between January and March, and Lampard's installation now looks to be a shrewd one with some touting him to be Championship manager of the season - an award which was won by Burnley's Scott Parker instead "That's the ride that we've been on We've made steps and now we've given ourselves an opportunity which is great but clearly the job isn't done yet," he added "There's no point in hiding what's on the game "It's in our hands but it's a really tough match so we just have to focus absolutely on the opponent and what we want to do but it is a knockout game in effect." Lampard also took time to praise the man who will be in the opposition dugout on Saturday a former West Ham and England international team-mate of his "I know him really well as a lad and he's always been one of the very good people in the game," Lampard said so [I'm] looking forward to seeing him and going against him." but will Yamal build legacy to rival Messi Who will qualify for the Champions League as Forest draw at Palace Victory for the Sky Blues would ensure they make the top six while for Boro even a win might not be enough for them to make it They'd also need to rely on Millwall and Blackburn Rovers not taking all three points in their respective matches Though with both those sides playing top three opponents the hope is firmly alive for Middlesbrough.. that's if they can put in a better performance than the one that saw them lose 3-0 to Coventry in the reverse fixture back in November Coventry City have won four of their last five league games against Middlesbrough (D1) Related topicsMiddlesbroughCoventry CityFootballTop storiesHis stats are better were one of five teams who raced more than 14,000km (8,700 miles) across China said: "I saw the first series and I thought 'could I do that?' And of course I could." After making the decision to apply he then needed to find a partner but unfortunately Brian was not his first choice "The wife didn't want to go on it so I called Brian and asked him if he fancied it," said Melvyn Brian said it took him a little while to make up his mind "I think Melvyn ran out of friends who would want to go on it with him So in the end he contacted me and I said yes "The adventure then started there - and it truly was a fantastic adventure." the pair said one of the difficulties they faced was explaining to people they could not use a mobile phone But Melvyn said skills they learned as children prepared them well for the journey "When we were kids we could read a compass we could read a map and we would jump on trains and end up in the middle of the Peak District and get lost," he said But they said one of the hardest parts of the journey was the "torture" the camera crew put them through "One of the most awkward feeling is you have to be with [the crew] when they're eating," Melvyn said "They'll order from the restaurant to the table they'll go to McDonald's - and you're sitting with what you can afford especially if they're having a beer." Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Caroline and Tom say a language barrier and lack of modern tech make things tricky. Alexander Dragonetti says he is proud to have joined forces with Peterborough-based charity, Mencap. Aneila Afsar says she wants to be a role model for other Muslim women who wear the hijab. The TV couple are opening up their home and their lives in a new reality series for BBC One. Also this week, Mumford & Sons release their new album, and Holland drops on Amazon Prime. Marcus Forss reacts to a missed chance as Middlesbrough blow their chance to claim a play-off spot with two games to go Sheffield Wednesday ended their run of five straight home defeats with a win that cost Middlesbrough a place in the Championship top six Michael Carrick's side looked set to move into the play-off places with two games to go as they led through an early Finn Azaz goal and with rivals Coventry City and Bristol City both losing The game swung on Tommy Conway's second missed penalty of the season with Owls goalkeeper Pierce Charles saving the spot kick before blocking the striker's follow-up attempt who had gone six games without a win and whose previous home victory had been on New Year's Day fought back well in the second half as Josh Windass equalised and Anthony Musaba bundled in a late winner The hosts have been sliding into crisis in recent months with unhappy fans angry with owner Dejphon Chansiri for failing to sell the club while manager Danny Rohl called out some of his players after Friday's defeat at Stoke City they showed plenty of spirit to come from behind against a Boro side who lost their way after dominating the early stages but finding Charles in resilient mood Azaz settled the away fans after 11 minutes as he finished a slick move who fed the Republic of Ireland international He smartly tucked the ball past goalkeeper Charles with the outside of his foot for his 12th goal of the season It looked like Wednesday were heading for a sixth consecutive home defeat when Hackney was fouled by Svante Ingellson and referee Bobby Madley pointed to the spot The keeper had seen his mistake hand Stoke their second goal in Friday's 2-0 away defeat but he made amends by beating out Conway's spot kick and jumping to his feet to stop the striker's second attempt while Azaz's attempt to net that rebound was blocked as Windass brought a fine save from Mark Travers and then fired another shot across the face of goal but Charles proved the saviour again as he superbly saved Marcus Forss' shot to keep his side in the game and after Travers had saved with his feet from Windass Callum Patterson's cross was headed against the post by Michael Smith but when Musaba retrieved the ball and laid it back for Ingelsson his mishit shot was turned in at the far post by Windass Gabriel Otegbayo somehow headed wide as Wednesday went for the three points against a curiously passive Boro side but Musaba capped a fine impact by grabbing the winner He was in the right spot as Patterson's dangerous cross saw three defenders falling over the ball to allow the sub to knock it over the line from close range Boro fluffed one more golden opportunity to grab a point as man of the match Charles heroically blocked Delano Burgzorg's shot at close quarters and then Conway smashed his shot against the underside of the bar Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield: "I said this 20 minutes before the end to my coaches we deserve more than just one point and then the goal was coming My players should take all the flowers today because they deserved it "Today we found a fantastic balance between keeping the ball and attacking the last line I saw a lot of clips of how we could attack them especially behind the full-backs and my players did a fantastic job "You need this player and also in this division and I think everybody in the stadium felt today that the momentum could be on our side - and we played really nice football." Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick speaking to BBC Radio Tees: it hasn't changed a lot of what the next two games are going to bring but certainly today we could have won the game and everyone else could have won their games and we'd be in the same situation we've got to learn about managing our games better in the thick of it and managing the space on the pitch and being more compact as a team "Disappointed with today but the season is still alive." Yellow Card at 13 minutesSubstituteshome team Yellow Card at 13 minutesSubstitutesNumber 40 Ịheanachọ Match OfficialsReferee: Robert MadleyAssistant Referee 1: Blake AntrobusAssistant Referee 2: James WilsonFourth Official: Adam HerczegMatch StatsKey Scroll LeftScroll RightSheffield Wednesday are winless across their last four league games against Middlesbrough (D2 L2) conceding 2+ goals in three of those matches Middlesbrough have won four of their last six away league games against Sheffield Wednesday (D1 L1) as many victories as across their prior 21 visits to Hillsborough combined (D1 L16) Sheffield Wednesday have won five of their last six league games played on Easter Monday (L1) scoring 15 goals in total across that time Middlesbrough have won just one of their last nine league games played on Easter Monday (D3 L5) though that sole victory did come last season and against Sheffield Wednesday (2-0) Sheffield Wednesday have lost each of their last five home league games never before losing six in a row at Hillsborough – this will be their 2524th home match in the Football League Delano Burgzorg (Middlesbrough) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked Michael Smith (Sheffield Wednesday) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner Tommy Conway (Middlesbrough) hits the bar with a right footed shot from the centre of the box following a fast break Delano Burgzorg (Middlesbrough) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal Josh Windass (Sheffield Wednesday) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left Liam Palmer (Sheffield Wednesday) wins a free kick in the defensive half Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough) wins a free kick on the right wing Foul by Michael Smith (Sheffield Wednesday) Fourth official has announced 8 minutes of added time Anthony Musaba (Sheffield Wednesday) left footed shot from very close range to the bottom right corner Michael Smith (Sheffield Wednesday) right footed shot from very close range is saved in the centre of the goal Liam Palmer replaces Gabriel Otegbayo because of an injury Delay in match because of an injury Gabriel Otegbayo (Sheffield Wednesday) Middlesbrough have taken 27 points from 21 Championship games in 2025 Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick is not expecting an "ordinary league game" as his side chases a play-off spot on the final day of the Championship season Boro must win away to sixth-placed Coventry City to have any chance of continuing their season beyond Saturday Even if they are victorious at the CBS Arena they will have to rely on Blackburn Rovers and Millwall failing to win at Sheffield United and Burnley respectively to make it So it is a case of everything on the line and what has gone before going out of the window "This is not going to be like any other league game we've played this season," he told BBC Radio Tees "That's why who we're playing against who's not in form - it's all on the day That is the challenge of getting it right at the right time." Michael Carrick replaces Frank Lampard during an England game in 2007 Boro's goalless draw with Norwich City last Saturday meant reaching the play-offs slipped out of their own hands as they dropped from seventh to ninth They have won only one of their last five games but Carrick insists that now is not the time for regrets as they aim for three points against Coventry managed by former West Ham and England team-mate Frank Lampard "Now is not a time for looking back," he said "All our energy and focus is on what's in front of us "Frustration is not a feeling we'll take into this game We're in a one-off game where anything can happen "There's a real buzz around the lads They're excited about the game and the opportunity ahead." both defender Rav van den Berg and midfielder Riley McGree are available for the trip to Coventry Dutchman van den Berg missed the Norwich game while Australia international McGree has only played once since early January due to injury Middlesbrough remain three points shy of the Championship play-offs with three games to go Tommy Conway scored a 93rd-minute penalty as Middlesbrough maintained their Championships play-off hopes against bottom side Plymouth Argyle awarded after he was pushed over by Joe Edwards nudges the Devon club closer to relegation Miron Muslic's side remain three points adrift of Derby County in 21st but with a far inferior goal difference and only three matches remaining with Bristol City and Coventry City both winning the victory was vital as they moved up to seventh but still three points behind the Sky Blues Ex-Argyle loanee Finn Azaz had put Middlesbrough in front early on before Mustapha Bundu equalised five minutes later and both sides had chances to win it before Conway's 13th goal of the season settled it in Boro's favour Argyle had been the brighter in the opening minutes but they showed why they have the worst defensive record in the Championship as they conceded their 83rd goal of the season from Boro's first real attack Anfernee Dijksteel's pass opened them up and although Conway's effort came back off the post Azaz was on hand to put the rebound into the empty net for his first league goal in eight games a careless piece of defending from Boro meant Plymouth were level within five minutes with the Sierra Leone forward finishing confidently past Mark Travers for his eighth goal of the season And the bottom club remained the more threatening with Travers saving from Darko Gyabi and then from a one-on-one with Ryan Hardie Boro had to improve after the break and Morgan Whittaker seeking his first goal in his 13th appearance since his January move nearly found it against his old club but for a fine save from Conor Hazard Yet Hardie missed a great chance at the other end when he shot over from 10 yards after more great work from Gyabi Conway was denied by Hazard and it looked like they were going to slip further adrift of the play-off places until Boro's top scorer got the wrong side of Edwards running into the area and went down after he was pushed in the back Edwards was sent off for a professional foul with Conway sending Hazard the wrong way from the spot to break Argyle hearts Plymouth will have to regroup for the visit of Frank Lampard's Coventry on Easter Monday with Boro hoping for a favour as they head to Sheffield Wednesday on the same day Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick told BBC Radio Tees: "The games are going to flip at times and the picture is going to change quite quickly "We kept going - it's not easy when you have to break teams down all the time I thought we created enough to score but it's worth the wait "Great composure from Tommy to take that penalty at the end under the circumstances and it's a big result for us "When you get to the end and there's a lot at stake there are going to be moments and it's whether we can seize them really Plymouth Argyle head coach Miron Muslic told BBC Radio Devon: We knew the threat of Middlesbrough - very strong in possession but we did it very well and consistently kept our transition threat creating so many goalscoring opportunities "That shows the strong performance we had And losing this very much deserved point we had with a 93rd-minute penalty "We have to go again - there is nothing to regret after that 100 minutes Wright Match OfficialsReferee: Anthony BackhouseAssistant Referee 1: Paul HodskinsonAssistant Referee 2: Conor BrownFourth Official: Elliot BellMatch StatsKey Scroll LeftScroll RightMiddlesbrough have won two of their last nine league matches against Plymouth Argyle (D5 L2) and are winless in their last three (D2 L1) Plymouth Argyle have won on each of their last two league trips to Middlesbrough (1-0 in October 2009 and 2-0 in February 2024); they could win three in a row for the first time Of the 51 teams to play 50+ Football League games on Good Friday Middlesbrough have the lowest win percentage (21.6%) Plymouth have alternated between victory (3) and defeat (3) in each of their last six league games on Good Friday Only Sheffield Wednesday (21) have won more points from losing positions in the Championship than Plymouth (18) though just four of those points have come on the road Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough) wins a free kick in the attacking half Tommy Conway (Middlesbrough) wins a free kick on the left wing Callum Wright (Plymouth Argyle) header from the centre of the box misses to the left Victor Pálsson (Plymouth Argyle) header from the centre of the box misses to the left Tommy Conway (Middlesbrough) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom right corner Joe Edwards (Plymouth Argyle) is shown the red card Tommy Conway draws a foul in the penalty area Penalty conceded by Joe Edwards (Plymouth Argyle) after a foul in the penalty area Fourth official has announced 7 minutes of added time Delano Burgzorg replaces Morgan Whittaker because of an injury Tymoteusz Puchacz replaces Julio Pleguezuelo because of an injury Delay in match because of an injury Julio Pleguezuelo (Plymouth Argyle) This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. An even first half swung the way of the hosts a minute before half-time when Jack Rudoni headed in. The Teessiders battled for an equaliser in the second 45 but despite a number of opportunities, there would be no way through. Coventry eventually sealed the points three minutes from the end as Rudoni slid home his second. There was one change to the Boro starting XI from the previous week's draw with Norwich City, with Neto Borges replacing Kelechi Iheanacho. The early openings went the way of the hosts. Ellis Simms stabbed wide from 10 yards and Ben Sheaf blazed a presentable opportunity over. Haji Wright was also a threat and forced a fine block from Jonny Howson, while at the other end, Morgan Whittaker had a low shot saved. Boro grew in authority and looked to be ending the first half the better of the two teams. Sam Iling-Junior curled narrowly wide from 25 yards and a guided effort from Finn Azaz was tipped onto the post by Ben Wilson. It proved to be an important intervention by the Coventry goalkeeper, with his side taking the lead on 44 minutes. Rudoni was the scorer as he headed in a right-wing cross from Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, ensuring the Sky Blues would head into the break in front. Boro started the second half brightly and after a number of promising attacks, forced Wilson into action as he saved Iling-Junior’s low shot. We almost drew level when a ball from the left by Neto Borges was helped across the area by Whittaker to Azaz, whose strike was beaten away by Wilson. The ensuing action led to an effort from Iling-Junior which went wide. Wilson again denied Azaz on the hour but Coventry retained a threat of their own, something Haji Wright reminded Boro of when he fizzed wide from the left of the area. Azaz continued to receive the ball in dangerous areas and saw a third effort of the second half saved by Wilson. The opportunities kept coming for Boro, with substitute Delano Burgzorg powering the next of them over from the edge of the area. As we committed more men forward in search of an equaliser, Coventry went close to sealing maximum points with a sweet strike from Brandon Thomas-Asante which crashed against the post. Thomas-Asante was later denied by a superb Rav van den Berg block, moments after the Boro defender was brought on as a substitute. Whittaker struck one against the post as Boro continued to probe for a leveller at the other end, but time was against the Teessiders. When Whittaker had another effort cleared off the line on 88 minutes, Coventry raced down the other end and the ball was squared to Rudoni, who stroked in his second to make the points safe. Michael Mulhern’s side sealed the championship and with it promotion to tier three on goal difference from Cheadle Town Stingers who needed to better Boro’s result by at least three goals Cheadle won 2-1 at AFC Fylde but that was not enough to deny the Teessiders who won their final six matches to end the campaign with silverware With goal difference potentially set to be a major factor on the final day Boro were aware of the importance of a fast start They provided just that and went close inside the opening four minutes Lauren Robson slipped in Ellen Turnbull down the inside-right channel and her dangerous delivery almost found Jess Mett Robson was then narrowly off-target with a long range drive which clipped the crossbar and Ellen Packham had a header cleared off the line Opportunities dried up as the first half progressed but Boro made the vital breakthrough in the 45th minute Armani Maxwell’s corner caused havoc in the Barnsley box and Millie Bell was on hand to score with a downward header which bounced over the line It could have been an even better half-time team talk for Mulhern but Robson was narrowly unable to connect with a Mett ball across the face of goal Boro were on top again in the early stages of the second half and after Robson had dragged an effort wide A ball over the top found Mett and she stabbed it first time past the goalkeeper to bring the championship ever closer Robson almost made it safe when she raced through on goal but her drilled attempt was kicked away by the goalkeeper who also saved a similar effort from Leanna Giles The damage had by now been done and Boro were aware that with Fylde not racking up a comfortable lead elsewhere Sharna Wilkinson added gloss to the scoreline with a close-range finish on 88 minutes to end any potential Boro nerves The final whistle then sparked scenes of celebration and confirmed Boro's place in the FAWNL Northern Premier Division Communities will come together to celebrate Victory in Europe Day By NOTICEBOARD · 3 May 2025 THINGS TO DO: VE Day celebrations will be held in Middlesbrough (Image: Hollie Galloway) Middlesbrough is set to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a number of celebrations taking place across the town Communities will come together to celebrate Victory in Europe Day on Thursday, May 8, which marked the beginning of the end of the Second World War Beacon lightings will be held across the country to mark the occasion, with Middlesbrough’s taking place on May 8 A special commemorative VE Day Orange Pip Market and street party is being held today (Saturday May 3) across Baker Street and Bedford Street Middlesbrough Council has also issued grants for dozens of street parties and other community events to be held across the town One of those events will have a special guest of honour Middlesbrough man John Hannan was a recipient of the French Légion d'Honneur for his courage during the D-Day liberation of France who will celebrate his 100th birthday this month Mr Hannan will attend an event held by the Friends of Linthorpe Cemetery and Nature Reserve on Thursday at 2pm Mr Hannan will plant a tree to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day at the event which will also feature a tea party and a guided walk including a talk on those resting in the cemetery associated with the final months of the Second World War Middlesbrough Council’s Armed Forces Champion said: “It is more important than ever that we take time to mark the incredible sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom in the Second World War and remember all that was achieved by that brave generation “VE Day signifies the triumph of good over evil and I am delighted that people in Middlesbrough are able to celebrate it 80 years on.” an event will be held from 8pm at the Cenotaph with a performance from the Teesside Apollo Male Choir Veterans will be hosted at the Dorman Museum The first Orange Pip of the season returns to Baker and Bedford Street from 12pm to 6pm today (May 3) and includes a range of artisan producers and independent maker stalls street-party style activities and performances Live music includes classic crooners and a wandering jazz band as well as a set from the Gramophone DJ featuring shellacs and authentic gramophones from 12pm to 6pm also have a vintage twist including collage crown making with Ella Deacy brooch making with the Creative Babes Club LoadingDaily Email Updates {{contentTitle}} Tickets are still available to purchase as the Women\'s team looks to get a record crowd and are priced at £5 for general admission while U18s and O65s go free.  Book tickets for Boro Women at the Riverside Fans are urged to arrive early to avoid queues at the ticket office and turnstiles Our #UTBW matchday programme is priced at £3 and is available to purchase in the concourse at the till.  Our FanZone is open from 11.30 am and will be open after the final whistle with Rachel Teate from BBC Tees as our compere for this game.  Drinks and snacks are available from the FanZone Bar.  Ninja Warrior Teesside Park will be joining us with a challenge Come and see how well you do!  You may be lucky and win a Ninja Warrior voucher Boro Women\'s Competition Corner will be at the Riverside this Sunday where you could win an Easter Hamper along with a signed pennant by the Women’s Team Their guess the time of the first goal competition returns and if you guess it right you will win a signed football from the Women’s Team They are also running a book giveaway courtesy of the Middlesbrough National Literacy Trust there will also be a hidden folder somewhere in the ground which includes a reading book and some other National Literacy Trust and Easter goodies Player Walkout and Pitchside Flag Waving – If you would like to be involved in our Women’s Team Matchday Experience activities next season, please email yvonne.ferguson@mfc.co.uk  to add your name to the waiting list the women\'s players will go around the pitch to meet fans and to give their signatures to the fans who want a some signed merch Make sure you stay after the full-time whistle if you want something signed Today we welcome The Give A Duck Foundation who work with every principal treatment centre in the UK to ensure every child diagnosed with cancer receives teddy Duck with a bandana and a central line called the \'Chemo Duck\' to help them during their treatment yellow and cuddly but more importantly Chemo Duck is fitted with either a Hickman Line or Portacath to mirror the child siblings are also given a duck to ensure no child is left out.  Once a month as an inpatient or outpatient children can choose a new outfit for their duck (similar to build a bear) making hospital visits less scary and an exciting time who is our very first home mascot for the Women’s Team and her brothers who are joining in pitchside flag waving today have their ducks dressed in an MFC strip kindly made and donated by Blue Light Babies.  Around the ground we will have donation buckets so please give what you can to support the Give a Duck Foundation For more information, please visitwww.giveaduck.org.uk and creating a welcoming environment for all supporters at the Riverside We condemn all forms of hate crime and discrimination in the strongest possible terms and urge supporters who witness any such incidents to please report them to the club Diversity and Inclusion line by messaging RSBS to 60777 giving full details of the incident and which stand The text will be sent to the matchday safety team who will investigate via steward intervention as well as direct or remote observation •    Speak to a club steward or other member of staff •    Use the free Kick It Out App Last season\'s award was claimed by Rav van den Berg who also took home the Young Player accolade while previous winners of the prestigious prize in the current squad include captain Jonny Howson Voting for this award closes at 5pm on Wednesday 16 April.  Current players to have made five or more first team appearances in the 2024/25 season are eligible for the Player of the Season vote The Player of the Year winner will be presented as part of the club\'s End of Season Awards ceremony at Middlesbrough Town Hall The evening will take place on Tuesday 29 April hosted at the iconic Town Hall venue as Boro fans are invited to join management staff and players from our men\'s and women\'s teams to recognise their achievements and most memorable moments from the 2024/25 campaign Special guest speaker Bryan Robson will take to the stage later in the evening to reminisce about his exhilarating years at the helm of the club Tickets are priced at £15 (+£1.50 booking fee) Buy tickets online at the Middlesbrough Town Hall website Millie Bell and Kacie Elson secured maximum points for Michael Mulhern's side The result means Boro go into their last league fixture at Barnsley in a fortnight level on points with leaders Cheadle Town Stingers as the teams do battle for the one promotion spot Buoyed by the enthusiastic crowd - beating the previous Boro Women record attendance of 2,177 - the hosts took the lead in style after just 94 seconds Ellen Turnbull's cross from the right was emphatically finished by Robson to hand Boro a dream start Using the momentum of the early strike to their advantage Boro controlled proceedings as they aimed to make the scoreline more comfortable Robson was again key in the second goal on 24 minutes Her corner was half-cleared as far as Maxwell who hooked the ball into the roof of the net to spark more celebrations Boro knew goal difference could prove pivotal in the pursuit of their ambitions and attempted to improve those further in the remainder of the first half A long-range strike from Abby Towers was saved but from the resulting corner from Maxwell but her thunderbolt from distance crashed against the crossbar as Boro looked set to be forced to settle for three before half-time with Maxwell dancing through on the stroke of the break before finding Mett Less than five minutes into the second half Bell scored Boro's fifth with a towering header from Robson's corner Elson almost made an immediate impact after being brought on as a substitute while a powerful drive from Maxwell narrowly cleared the crossbar Elson rattled the crossbar with another fine strike before a flowing move produced arguably the best goal of the game on 70 minutes skipping inside her defender and onto her left foot before curling home A terrific cross from Elson was sliced just over the bar by a defender but from the resulting corner the substitute got her goal with a hooked finish That proved to be the end of the goalscoring as Boro finished with seven and they now have two weeks to wait for their vital season-ending clash with Barnsley Northern Sports CorrespondentSaturday May 03 2025 The Sunday TimesWhat a day for Coventry City ole ole!” Coventry supporters shouted out from every stand and just about every seat inside the Coventry Building Society Arena It was a sky blue day; the trains snaking their way to the stadium had been filled with that colour The sun was shining for Coventry and on a triumphant day the other vociferous chant was for “super Franky Lampard” Coventry were 17th and Lampard had not had a job for 18 months What a transformational time it has been for both manager and club since