Conor Coady's landmark strike from a Harry Clarke long throw condemned Middlesbrough to a 1-0 home defeat to Charlton Athletic that damaged their automatic promotion hopes and eased the visitors' relegation fears at the Riverside Stadium.
Boro dominated possession and racked up 34 attempts on goal, Aidan Morris rattling the crossbar and Morgan Whittaker, Matt Targett and others all passing up chances, but they were repeatedly frustrated by goalkeeper Will Mannion and a stubborn Charlton back line. The Addicks, who had previously won only one of their last 12 away league games, clung on to claim a vital victory that moved them nine points clear of the Championship's relegation zone and into a more comfortable 17th place, while Middlesbrough slipped eight points adrift of leaders Coventry and sat only a point above third-placed Millwall.
Boro on top but wasteful in front of goal
Kim Hellberg's side set the tone from the opening minutes, hemming Charlton back and creating a flurry of early openings. Matt Targett hooked a cross into the box that found Hayden Hackney, whose two efforts in quick succession were blocked, before the loose ball was worked to Whittaker on the edge of the area and his low shot flashed just past the far post.