Middlesbrough hold second place despite promotion push momentum

Summarised from 3 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 15 Oct, 17:02 · Archive

Middlesbrough remain second in the Championship after winning consecutive games against Wolves and Stoke City.

Middlesbrough remain second in the Championship following victories at home to Wolves and away at Stoke City. The side has won eight games without defeat and are two points behind leaders Swansea City. Manager Kim Hellberg described the impressive run as a positive start but stressed the need to maintain momentum. He told BBC Radio Tees: 'It's 46 games, with 36 left - it's a marathon. It's all about picking up points in the beginning of the season to take yourself to a position where you can look at the table in January and see where you are at.'

Wolves and Stoke City were both in the top four when Middlesbrough faced them. Hellberg noted that despite injuries affecting several players and the late arrival of new signings, the squad had performed well. Striker David Strelec remains sidelined and will miss Saturday's match against Cardiff City, having battled fitness issues throughout the season. Will Lankshear has been scoring regularly in Strelec's absence.

Hellberg acknowledged that while supporters are entitled to dream, he and his players cannot afford to get carried away. He said: 'It's easy to drop some percentage. It's important for everyone to not do that.' The club has invested significantly in strengthening the squad following the previous season's Championship play-off final defeat.

How it is being reported

• Kim Hellberg makes 'quality' claim as Middlesbrough prepare for Cardiff City testMiddlesbrough will host Championship rivals Cardiff City at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.Hartlepool Mail · 15 Oct, 18:37
• Boro boss Hellberg ready for Championship 'marathon'Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg says Boro's Championship start has been impressive but the key is to keep the momentum going.BBC Tees · 15 Oct, 16:50
• David Strelec's Middlesbrough challenge as Kim Hellberg updates on injuries ahead of CardiffKim Hellberg offers an update on Middlesbrough's injuries ahead of Cardiff City's visit and discusses David StrelecTeessideLive · 15 Oct, 15:17
• Two things Middlesbrough must ensure they do to keep Premier League ambitions on trackMiddlesbrough are unbeaten in eight and sitting second in the ChampionshipTeessideLive · 15 Oct, 09:00
• Important internal mindset at Middlesbrough as exciting promotion push continuesWhile many Middlesbrough fans may be starting to dream, Kim Hellberg says he can't allow himself or his players to get carried awayTeessideLive · 15 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Middlesbrough · Kim Hellberg · Wolverhampton Wanderers · Stoke City · Swansea City · David Strelec · Will Lankshear · Cardiff City

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