Swansea 1-3 Middlesbrough: Boro narrow gap on top two

Middlesbrough came from behind at Swansea City to close the gap on the Championship’s promotion leaders.

But Aaron Ramsey and Cameron Archer scored within three minutes of the second half to turn the game on its head just moments after Swansea ruled out a goal.

Top scorer Chuba Akpom struck from the penalty spot in a rousing victory.

Michael Carrick’s side are now just four points behind second-placed Sheffield United, who were beaten by Luton Town.

And Boro is coming into form at just the right time with seven wins in their last eight games.

They were bolstered before kick-off by the return of main defender Paddy McNair from a head injury but fell behind after 14 minutes.

Matt Grimes started for the injured Joe Allen and provided the launch pad for the opener.

The midfielder held three defenders at bay before Ryan Manning’s deflected cross was gently pushed past Zack Steffen by Piroe to score his 14th goal of the season.

Boro, for all his possessions, struggled to contain Grimes or Ollie Cooper, whose departure at half-time severely weakened Swansea’s attack.

However, the hosts’ lack of confidence showed as they allowed Middlesbrough to assert themselves steadily.

Riley McGree was the focus of most of Boro’s attacks, while Ramsey provided thrust through the middle and Ryan Giles down the left.

But Boro played the extra pass too often without cutting edge and Swansea’s defence, well put together by Nathan Wood, edged them out.

Swansea led at half-time and thought they had doubled their lead seven minutes into the second half, but Jay Fulton’s attempt from Piroe’s acrobatic overhead kick was ruled out for offside.

The hosts were upbeat, moments later the game turned dramatically with two goals in quick succession.

Boro found Swansea on the break and Ramsey looked to have missed the chance cutting back inside but kept his cool and fired his left foot into the far post.

Three minutes later, Aston Villa loanee Archer was unmarked in the six-yard box to nod home past Andrew Fisher to put the visitors ahead.

Swansea blew out like a flat tire and when Joel Latibeaudiere unnecessarily tripped McGree in the box, top scorer Akpom scored his 22nd of the season from the point.

As a message from Sheffield United home loss to Luton filtered through, chants of “Sheffield United we’re coming for you” erupted from the crowd as Boro drove to victory.