Strachan staying realistic

Boro boss delighted to beat QPR

Last updated: 27th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Strachan staying realistic

Strachan: Satisfied

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Gordon Strachan hailed an important win for Middlesbrough after they boosted their play-off hopes by beating Queens Park Rangers 2-0.

A pair of penalties from Barry Robson late in the first half secured Boro's victory, although Strachan admits the rest of the game delivered little excitement.

He believes Boro are going well in their bid for promotion but is refusing to get too carried away at this stage.

"Until the penalties it was a nothing game," said Strachan. "I was happy with the points and I was happy with the attitude but it wasn't a great game.

"We worked hard but the game was a bit frantic at times. Maybe some of them tried to work too hard. They were enthusiastic, maybe too enthusiastic but that is not a bad problem to have.

"The penalties turned the game though. There was no question over them and even their people admitted that. And I thought maybe we could have had one before that too for an incredible handball that somehow wasn't spotted.

"But I think we worked hard and deserved that result. We have worked hard over the past few games and maybe not got what we deserved.

"As for the play-offs we are still in there with a chance and in that respect today was a huge result for us.

"The last few weeks have been a great test of our character and we have come through that test and are still in with a shout."

Harford reaction

Mick Harford was not happy with his QPR side for conceding such soft goals but felt they had deserved something from the match.

"We should have had a penalty before Boro got theirs when Lee Cook was brought down," he said. "And we had chances after that too.

"I can't argue with the penalties Boro got. I didn't see the first but the second was pretty blatant and quite stupid really. He's just pulled him back.

"It is things like that that are costing us, silly goals. We started well and dominated possession for long spells, especially in the second half but I think we needed to get a goal back early on after the interval.

"I can't fault the work-rate or commitment of the players throughout and we did well for most of the game but I am sick of saying it, we have given away silly goals.

"We need to start playing poorly but winning because at the moment we are playing well and getting beat and that can't go on."

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