The latest Middlesbrough news, via Robbie Fenwick.

Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg has criticised his side’s lack of quality in the final third after his side failed to score in their 1-0 loss to Charlton Athletic despite having 34 shots on goal.

Hellberg’s side had 77% of the possession but struggled to find the quality needed to beat Will Mannion in the Charlton goal, with Boro unable to break down a resolute Addicks side.

Conor Coady’s second-half finish from a long throw-in means Boro now sit just one point ahead of third-placed Millwall, who beat Derby County on Tuesday and eight points adrift of league leaders Coventry City after they won 3-0 against Preston North End.

Boro came into the game after an impressive 4-0 win at QPR on Sunday but all the positive feeling that came with that result has disappeared for Hellberg. The result will feel like a huge missed opportunity for Boro after Ipswich Town - who have a game in hand - dropped points in a 3-3 draw at Stoke City on Tuesday.

Kim Hellberg on Charlton defeat

Defeat to Charlton is another example of games at the Riverside where Boro have stumbled against teams lower in the division, despite dominating possession. Wednesday’s loss as well as draws to Oxford United and Leicester City in February has seen frustration start to creep in for Hellberg.

“The thing is we have to score. Today, the quality in scoring goals was absolutely terrible. I don’t think you can create more, it becomes almost ridiculous. The lads did what they could. They were trying, fighting but the quality (was) terrible,” he told Boro Live.

“New game on Saturday, we have to go again. But this is a disappointment in not scoring from all those chances and that lack of quality we had today in the finishing department. I think in all other things we were quite good. “But around the box in finishing quality - absolutely terrible,” he added.

Speaking to BBC Radio Tees, Hellberg also felt Boro should have had a penalty in the first half for a foul on Matt Targett: “There’s been clear penalties in Oxford, Leicester and this game. But that is not the point, there are decisions that will go with you and not with you. I’ve seen that in other games too. It is what it is.

“For us we have to look at our own performance. If we are good enough we win this game whatever decision the referee is making. It’s up to us to do it better but of course it would be better with some decisions with us.”

Hellberg will hope Boro can get their first home win since they beat Norwich City 1-0 at the end of January when Bristol City travel to the Riverside on Saturday.

“Nine games left, every game will be the most important. There are no easy games. You see that all the time in this league, so the next game is now the most important,” Hellberg added.