Middlesbrough were 2-1 winners at home to Luton Town on Saturday with a first half penalty from Paddy McNair opening the scoring.
Duncan Watmore secured the three points with Boro’s second late on but the visitors got an injury time consolation through Harry Cornick.
After the match, Boro boss Chris Wilder said: “It was a different type of performance from us, it was an arm-wrestle.
“I said after 10-15 minutes it was going to be about the result and we needed to show different qualities to get over the line.
“From a defensive point of view we did deal with what Luton served up but from a football view it was scrappy, it was an arm-wrestle, turgid. The first goal came from a great bit of play.
“I was disappointed we had a couple of chances before half-time, and Luton came back at us after that with nothing to lose. It became that sort of afternoon, so we had to get over the line by hook or by crook and we did that.
“Luton were on a fabulous run and they are up there for a reason, they have structure and win games of football.”
Away from the action on the pitch, here are the transfer news stories making the headlines on Monday morning:
1. Rovers’ January signing on crutches
Blackburn Rovers boss Tony Mowbray says January loan signing Deyo Zeefuik “can’t put his foot on the ground” and is on crutches after picking up an injury in the loss to Fulham (The 72)
2. Celtic will keep tabs on Semenyo despite £20m price tag
Celtic will continue to keep tabs on transfer target Antoine Semenyo despite Bristol City pricing the Scottish club out of the market with a £20m fee wanted (GiveMeSport)
3. Leeds eye Red Devils youngster
Leeds United are reportedly considering a move for Manchester United midfielder James Garner. The 20-year-old is currently enjoying a brilliant loan spell with Nottingham Forest. (The Sun)
4. Obafemi deserves Ireland call up
Michael Obafemi’s impressive form for Swansea City this season is deserving of a recall to the the Ireland men’s international side (Balls.IE)