Middlesbrough climbed up to fifth in the race for a play-off spot by overcoming promotion rivals Bristol City 2-1 at the Riverside Stadium.
Spanish defender Daniel Ayala headed in his seventh of the season to secure the points for Tony Pulis' side despite an early scare from the Robins.
Bristol City, who are now four points shy of the top six, took the lead in the ninth minute when Milan Djuric volleyed in.
But Middlesbrough, who controlled the game for long periods without threatening enough, levelled through George Friend nine minutes later.
After striker Patrick Bamford had to be stretchered off and taken to hospital midway through the first half, Middlesbrough moved up into the play-off spots by delivering the points courtesy of Ayala's headed 22 minutes from time.
2017/18 English League Championship, 2017/2018 English League Championship
