SCOTT McDonald’s first goal since August was enough to see off Watford at the Riverside and move Middlesbrough up to third in the Championship table.

SCOTT McDonald’s first goal since August was enough to see off Watford at the Riverside and move Middlesbrough up to third in the Championship table.

 

The Australian’s 41st minute strike ended a barren run of 11 games without a goal to ensure Boro’s unbeaten home record this season remained intact.

 

With top-two sides Southampton and West Ham United both winning earlier in the day, Tony Mowbray’s men needed maximum points from their evening kick-off to stay in touch with the pace setters.

 

Within a minute of kick-off Boro should have been in front through Barry Robson. The Scotland midfielder intercepted a stray pass and after weaving inside Lee Hodson he unleashed a low shot that whistled inches past the post.

 

Minutes later, Scott McDonald found himself free inside the area but his volley was saved well by Scott Loach.

 

Tony Mowbray’s side have found it difficult to dominate games at the Riverside this season, but within eight minutes they had had their third chance to go ahead, this time through leading goalscorer Marvin Emnes.

 

The Dutchman met Tony McMahon’s left-sided cross at the back post and after bringing the ball down beautifully, the striker scuffed his shot into the side netting from a tight angle.

 

For all Boro’s chances, Watford managed to weather the early storm and slowly Sean Dyche’s side got themselves into the game with two chances in quick succession.

 

Chris Iwelumo saw his near post shot punched away by Jason Steele, before Adrian Mariappa’s goal-bound header was blocked by team-mate Marvin Sordell from the resulting corner.

 

The breakthrough did come in the 41st minute and having enjoyed the better chances, Boro deservedly took the lead.

 

Zemmama shimmied his way through the Watford midfield and laid the ball off to Robson. He showed great vision to pick out McDonald with a first-time pass and having watched his initial shot saved by Loach, the Australian scored from his second attempt – his first goal since August 16 at Barnsley.

 

On occasions this season, Boro have been punished for not closing games out and the longer the game stayed one nil, the edgier the crowd at the Riverside became.

Chances after the interval were scarce – McDonald’s 20-yard drill easily saved by Loach, before substitute Faris Haroun blasted over from inside the area after Rhys Williams had played an inviting ball across goal.