Middlesbrough survived a late onslaught at the Riverside Stadium to secure a 4-2 victory against Blackpool this afternoon.
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The hosts enjoyed almost complete domination in the first half but struggled to open up Blackpool's defence despite controlling possession.
However, Middlesbrough were ahead when Ishmael Miller jumped to head the ball powerfully into the net from a corner.
Blackpool failed to assert themselves in midfield and were restricted to long-range efforts throughout the first period.
Miller could have doubled his tally for the afternoon but he whipped his shot just wide of the target from the corner of the box.
However, the hosts were two ahead just before the break as Richard Smallwood found space inside the box before drilling the ball past Matt Gilks.
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The visitors came into the match after the interval and managed to pull a goal back when Wes Thomas latched onto a loose ball to beat Jason Steele with a smart finish.
Blackpool searched desperately for an equaliser following the goal but they were punished on the break when Scott McDonald broke through the away side's defence before firing the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
The home side looked comfortable following the third goal and McDonald was close to doubling his personal tally with a curled shot but the ball landed just beyond the far post.
Chris Basham responded to lash the ball into the net from close range to give his side hope as the game entered its final stages.
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Blackpool had a great opportunity to snatch a point when Gary Taylor-Fletcher was pulled back inside the box but Thomas Ince saw his low penalty saved by Steele.
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The points were secured shortly before the final whistle as substitute Adam Reach fired the ball into the bottom corner from just outside the area.
Callum Mulvihill
