Boro bounce back from Pompey defeat with a big victory over the Tractor Boys

MIDDLESBROUGH sent a huge statement as they returned to the top of the Championship with a victory over promotion favourites Ipswich Town on Friday night.

- Craig Johns

Rebounding from their first defeat of the season last time out, Boro beat the Tractor Boys 2-1 at the Riverside.

Cedric Kirpre sent the home side in at halftime happy with an unfortunate own goal in added time.

Morgan Whittaker then doubled his side's lead ten minutes after the restart.

Darragh O'Shea’s goal 15 minutes from time made for a nervy finish for the home side, but they managed to get over the line.

Rob Edwards made four changes from the side that were beaten by Portsmouth last time out, with Alan Browne, Morgan Whittaker, David Strelec and Delano Burgzorg all starting.

It was a change in formation from the Boro boss, with a back four and three forwards behind Tommy Conway at striker.

Boro were looking to rebound after the defeat at Pompey, which was their first in the league this season.