'Let's put it in context': Smith calls for Boro

FORMER Middlesbrough defender Tommy Smith believes context is key as he insists that the defeat at Portsmouth shouldn't take away from what's been a brilliant start to the season.

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An ill-timed defeat to Portsmouth came just before the international break and ended Boro's eight-game unbeaten start to the campaign. It saw Rob Edwards’ side surrender top of the table to Coventry City too. But with just one defeat in nine, five victories overall and four clean sheets, Smith says it's important not to overreact off the back of the disappointing day at Fratton Park. In fact, he had an exciting premonition of this Boro side.

Smith told the Essential EFL podcast: “The main thing you need to have is a bit of context. Yes, there was a disappointing defeat last weekend. But, after nine games, Middlesbrough are still second in the league.