It was a night of big swings at both ends of the Championship table as Middlesbrough mounted a second‑half comeback to reclaim an automatic promotion spot, Southampton battled past Sheffield United to halt their winless run, and Portsmouth edged out of the relegation zone with a hard-earned draw at Watford.

Middlesbrough Come From Behind to Reclaim Second Place

Middlesbrough returned to the Championship’s automatic promotion places after overturning a half-time deficit to beat injury-hit Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium.

Kim Hellberg’s side were second-best in a sluggish first half and fell behind to Tomas Rigo’s first goal for the Potters – a dipping 20-yard effort that bounced awkwardly in front of Sol Brynn and squirmed through the Boro goalkeeper’s grasp.

Stoke, despite missing all four recognised forwards and recently losing new signing Gavin Bazunu to a thigh injury, dominated the opening period. Brynn redeemed himself with a superb one-handed save to tip Million Manhoef’s strike onto the bar and later kept out makeshift striker Lamine Cisse with his legs as Mark Robins’ men pressed for a second.

But Boro were rejuvenated after the break following a double substitution, and they drew level just three minutes into the restart. Hayden Hackney burst into the area and, although his effort was saved, the loose ball was recycled and Alan Browne arrived to lash high into the net.

Manhoef scooped over a chance to restore Stoke’s lead, but the visitors completed the turnaround before the hour. Browne – now operating as an attacking right-back – delivered an outstanding cross that caused panic in one of the league’s strongest defences, and Tommy Conway swivelled to find the finish.

Brynn was called into action again to keep out two Sorba Thomas free-kicks and another strike from Cisse, but Stoke’s comeback hopes faded when Bosun Lawal was dismissed for a second yellow card.

With four of their next six fixtures at the Riverside, Boro look well placed as they continue their push for a Premier League return, while Stoke slip outside the play-off places and face the growing strain of a depleted squad ahead of a crucial run of games.

Southampton End Winless Run With Narrow Victory over Sheffield United

Tonda Eckert’s Southampton earned a much-needed three points at St Mary’s, edging out fellow strugglers Sheffield United in a tight contest decided by a deflected Leo Scienza strike.

Saints struck early, with Scienza drifting inside on seven minutes before his right-footed effort took a heavy deflection off Oli Arblaster, wrong-footing Michael Cooper and giving the hosts the ideal start. The Brazilian forward has now contributed eight goal involvements since joining from Heidenheim in September.

Ross Stewart had a header cleared off the line by a diving Arblaster as Southampton looked to double their lead, while Scienza remained the game’s most dangerous outlet, twice testing the Blades defence before the break.

Sheffield United grew into the game after half-time, and Callum O’Hare had a close-range strike blocked following good work down the right. Moments from full-time, Patrick Bamford crafted the visitors’ best opportunity, cutting inside and bending towards the far corner, only for Daniel Peretz to save superbly with an outstretched leg.

The win lifts Southampton to 15th and ends a run of seven league games without victory, boosting spirits ahead of Sunday’s south coast derby. The Blades stay 17th, four points above the bottom three.

Portsmouth Move Out of Drop Zone After Hard-Fought Point at Watford

Portsmouth climbed out of the Championship relegation zone after being denied a rare victory at Vicarage Road by Watford substitute Mamadou Doumbia.

Pompey were on course for their first win at Watford in nearly 30 years thanks to Adrian Segecic’s composed 73rd‑minute finish. Milli Alli won the ball high before Conor Chaplin teed up the Australian midfielder, who swept a low left-footed strike inside the far post.

But the visitors’ lead lasted just six minutes. A routine out-swinging cross from substitute Rocco Vata should have been gathered comfortably by Nicolas Schmid, but the Portsmouth goalkeeper spilled it into the path of Luca Kjerrumgaard. The Dane managed to work it into the feet of teenager Doumbia, who curled confidently home from 15 yards.

Portsmouth had earlier appealed for a penalty when Jeremy Ngakia appeared to handle in the box, while Watford came close through Othmane Maamma, who fired wide when clean through.

The result leaves Watford just outside the top six, while Pompey’s point lifts them above Blackburn Rovers into 21st as they continue to fight for survival.

Middlesbrough up to second; Southampton and Portsmouth earn vital points

Middlesbrough up to second; Southampton and Portsmouth earn vital points