Middlesbrough missed the chance to move top of the Championship after losing 2-1 to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park tonight.
Boro had the first effort on goal when Albert Adomah stung the gloves of Jason Steele from long range, before Jordan Rhodes passed up a good chance as the visitors threatened.
Adomah looked in the mood throughout the first period, and again went close midway through the half when his shot sailed narrowly past the post, but it was goalless at the break.
Despite their first-half dominance, Boro fell behind within two minutes of the restart when Matt Grimes's inch-perfect cross was nodded home by Hope Akpan from close range - his third of the season.
David Nugent and Rhodes both forced smart saves from Steele midway through the second half as the promotion chasers grew firmly in control of the clash.
However, Blackburn effectively killed off the encounter on 83 minutes when Danny Graham finished well past Dimitrios Konstantopoulos.
Adam Forshaw pulled one back moments before the fourth official indicated five added minutes, but the hosts held on. Aitor Karanka's side stay third, one point behind leaders Burnley.
Shane Callaghan
