Last updated on .From the section Championship

George Friend heads in Middlesbrough's first-half equaliser

Middlesbrough boosted their play-off chances and dented Bristol City's hopes of making the top six as they came from behind to beat the Robins.

Milan Djuric acrobatically slotted in to give City an early lead, before George Friend equalised with a header.

Daniel Ayala headed in the winner after the break to move Boro up to fifth.

But the game was marred by a first-half collision between Boro striker Patrick Bamford and Robins defender Aiden Flint which saw Bamford stretchered off.

Bamford received 10 minutes of attention by medics on the pitch, before he was carried from the field receiving oxygen. Flint was unscathed.

Derby County's surprise defeat at Burton Albion and the draw between Sheffield United and Millwall did Bristol City a slight favour, but they are now four points outside the Championship play-offs with three games left.

Boro, who are looking for an immediate return to the Premier League, finish the campaign against Derby, Millwall and Ipswich.

Bristol City, now down to 10th, have a slightly easier run in on paper as they take on Hull and Nottingham Forest before ending the season at home to Sheffield United.

Bamford's injury, which resulted in 11 minutes of added time at the end of the first half, had seemed to take the sting out of the game until central defender Ayala beat Flint to the ball from a corner to score the crucial goal.

Just four points separate fifth place and 10th, with the play-off race set to go down to the wire.

Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis talking to BBC Tees:

"(Watching) the first half I really felt disappointed as a manager. Second half they were fantastic.

"The team has been very up and down at times, but I felt today we had a settled performance.

"I'm pleased with the result of course but I'm more pleased with the application from the players."

Bristol City boss Lee Johnson:

"I thought Middlesbrough were better then us at decision making,

"We absolutely worked our socks off, the boys gave everything.

On Bristol City's promotion push: "We have to do everything we can to win maximum points, we know we can win any one game on our day.

"We've got to win our last three games. We've got to get to 74 points to have at least half a chance."