Saturday evening's win over Watford meant Boro have now won back-to-back games at the Riverside for the first time this season.

Tony Mowbray's side are unbeaten in 15 games on Teesside, but eight of those have ended in draws and the Boro manager and his players know their encouraging position in the Championship table could be even better had they turned some of those draws into wins.

McMahon, who celebrated his 100th appearance for the club with a clean sheet against Sean Dyche's men, admits the squad have been desperate to improve at home but admits it was a nail-biting game.

He said: "It's a massive win, it's back-to-back wins at home now.

"We said after the game on Tuesday night at Doncaster that we have to start winning games at home and we've done that against Watford.

"As a defender, I'm really pleased to get the clean sheet as well. I was biting my nails playing, we made it difficult late on and we should have finished them off.

"Faris (Haroun) had a great chance, and a bit more composure from me could have picked someone out when I went in the box twice, but it wasn't to be. At the end of the day we've won 1-0 and it's on to the next one now.

"We need this rest, the legs are tired after two games but we've won back-to-back and, most importantly, we've won at home, which is great for the fans and hopefully we can come back after the break and continue that against Blackpool."

The Teessiders rode their luck at times against the Hornets, but a first-half strike from Scott McDonald was enough to move Boro back into third place.

Replays did show the Australian was in an offside position when Barry Robson had fed the ball through, but McMahon insists the striker deserved his goal, having gone 11 games without scoring.

He said: "Eventually we got a foothold on the game through Scott. He was probably a bit fortunate for the goal seeing the TV replays but we'll take it. We won 1-0 so we're happy.

"Scott's probably still moaning now, even though he's got the winner! I'm over the moon for him. It's been a frustrating time, he's worked hard for the team and has done everything right except score goals. But today he's popped up with the winner, so I'm happy for him."