Chuba Akpom’s brace inspires Middlesbrough to compound Blackpool woes 

By Wale Mustapha

Poster boy for the English Championship, Chuba Akpom has again helped Middlesbrough tightened their grip on a Championship play-off place as as he netted twice in their 3-0 victory over Blackpool at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.

Both Akpom and Boro have being on the ascendancy under Michael Carrick with Nigerian born forward scoring for free and the club have won 10 of their 13 games since Manchester United legend replaces Chris Wilder.

Blackpool who are having a torrid season with their last win in the Championship was recorded in October were visiting Riverside Stadium at the wrong with the current form of Carrick men.

After their brilliant start to the match, they would soon open up right after the half hour mark when Akpom produced a gorgeous, floated effort that curled into the far corner with incredible precision.

Blackpool stayed in the game with a slender margin till end of half time with much defending to do. They were able to produced some moments to get into the game early on after restart but Boro were too handful for them to contend with.

With 11 minutes into the second half, Boro made it two and it was Akpom again who reacted quickly to tuck home a rebound from close range.

McNair completed the rout for Middlesbrough with the third goal which has seen them become of the free scoring sides in the championship, especially under Carrick.

Akpom is also holding tight to top of the top scorers’ table with 16 goals in 22 appearances for promotion chase Boro..

Micheal Carrick side have now opened a four points advantage in the top six log and renewed hope to pick one of the playoff spots.

Blackpool on the other hand remain rooted inside the drop zone after failing to win for an 11th consecutive Championship outings.