EFL: Chuba Akpom on target again to boost Middlesbrough promotion push

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian striker, Chuba Akpom was among the scorers for Middlesbrough on Saturday in their 3-1 comeback win over Swansea in a English Championship encounter.

Boro were able to overturned a first half deficit to close the gap on second-placed Sheffield United to four points.

Michael Carrick led side have picked up more points than any other side in the Championship since appointing Michael Carrick back in October, apart from league leaders Burnley.

Swansea started the game on a brighter note as they intend to push themselves away from drop zone with 15 minute lead from Joël Piroe who stabbed home a deflected shot from Ollie Cooper.

The visitors stepped up their game from conceding an early goal but it was Swansea that had more opportunities to increase the tally which they lacked the needed instinct to make them count.

Boro compounded Swansea’ defensive woes at the restart with two quick goals to turn the game around.

Aaron Ramsey, after missing the first two attempts he was presented scored with the third in the 54th minute before Cameron Archer found himself unchallenged to head Boro in front four minutes later.

A careless challenge in Swansea box led to a penalty for Boro when Joel Latibeaudiere clattered into Riley McGree.

Chuba Akpom was employed to take the spot kick and the Nigerian international made no mistake to bury it taking his goal tally to 22 for the season.

Middlesbrough were able to use the victory to register their first league double over Swansea since the 1964-65 campaign and keep them in hot chase for the automatic promotion place ahead of their midweek clash against Stoke City at Riverside Stadium.