EFL: Chuba Akpom’s brace secures another win for Middlesbrough 

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian eligible striker, Chuba Akpom struck twice to keep Middlesbrough in sight for a Championship second automatic promotion slot with a 3-1 win over QPR on Saturday.

The visitors were at the Riverside Stadium on the back of a 10 match winless streak against Boro who seems not to know how to lose again.

QPR did kept out their hosts at bay for entire duration of the first as the only chance for Boro was Akpom’s goal that was chalked off for offside.

Boro came out for the second half with more purpose and could have have their nose in front from the get go but McGree fluffed the chance for the hosts.

 However, QPR had no answer to how they find themselves behind after the hour mark as a corner from Daniel Barlaser corner found the head of Akpom to get his 18th goal the season.

The Arsenal academy graduate struck again after ten minutes when he saw his spot kick saved, but the ball fell back to him and he made no mistake, securing his second brace of a fruitful February.

Ilias Chair reduced the deficit for QPR with a minute to end the match but the two goal cushion was restored by Miley McGree in the added minutes.

Boro duly ended the day within just four points of second-placed Sheffield United and they kept the believe to seal the second spot.

For Akpom, he’s now on 19 goals in the league and doesn’t look he would relinquish the top scorer’s spot for anyone yet.