Boro survival hopes boosted as Hull hauled back

Middlesbrough gave their own survival hopes a huge shot in the arm and dragged Hull into the relegation quagmire with a precious 3-1 win at the Riverside on Saturday.

Former Hull striker Marlon King sealed the win with two minutes left after earlier goals from Tuncay Sanli and Matthew Bates either side of a Manucho equaliser for the visitors, who are now just four points clear of the drop zone.

Boro meanwhile are now within two points of local rivals Sunderland, the side occupying the last survival spot, after manager Gareth Southgate’s decision to draft King into his starting line-up proved inspired.

Boro started the match with four forwards and that bold approach paid off after just three minutes when Brazilian striker Afonso Alves exchanged passes with King to break into the box.

Matt Duke saved the resulting low shot but the rebound fell for Turkey forward Tuncay, who finished off comfortably.

Boro’s lead lasted just six minutes before Hull, who have now won just once in 16 matches, equalised.

Nick Barmby sent a ball into the box and on-loan striker Manucho rose to head home his second goal for Hull.

There were numerous chances at both ends of the pitch before Boro reclaimed the lead just before the half hour mark, Bates nipping in to convert a low cross at the near post.

With time running out for Hull, Boro made sure of all three points thanks to a mistake by their former midfielder George Boateng.

The Dutchman had come on as a substitute after three months out injured and his rustiness was exposed when Jeremie Aliadiere robbed him to send King clear for the decisive strike.