Struber's aces Riis and shine to halt Kim's winning run

GERHARD STRUBER hailed his side's win over inform Middlesbrough as a “big result at an important time" for his playoff contenders.

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Emil Riis fired the home side in front from just outside the box after 17 minutes and substitute Rob Atkinson's 62nd-minute header from a Scott Twine corner ensured that Kim Hellberg's four-match winning start as Boro boss came to an end.

City defended their lead with tenacity against impressive opponents in a thrilling match which was a credit to the Championship, and Struber was understandably elated at seeing his side move to within two points of the top six.

He said: "Today we have played a really good team and had to change shape several times during the game to deal with them.