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Middlesbrough strengthened their Championship promotion hopes with a 3-1 victory over Birmingham City at St Andrew’s, moving four points clear of Millwall. Full-back Matt Targett scored twice and David Strelec added a third, as Kim Hellberg’s side ended a three-match winless run.

The result leaves Middlesbrough five points behind leaders Coventry City with 11 games left. Ipswich Town sit fourth, six points adrift of Middlesbrough, but hold two matches in hand. Birmingham, chasing a play-off place, created several chances but lacked Middlesbrough’s efficiency in front of goal.

Targett delivered a standout performance in an unfamiliar scoring role. The former Aston Villa defender struck in both halves of the first period, giving Middlesbrough control despite early Birmingham pressure. Strelec then restored a two-goal cushion on the hour, after Birmingham briefly threatened a comeback.

Birmingham started on the front foot and tested Sol Brynn before falling behind. Tommy Doyle tried his luck from distance in the opening stages, drawing a save from the Middlesbrough goalkeeper. That early promise faded when Middlesbrough struck first from their first clear opening after 13 minutes.

The opener came when Targett slipped behind the Birmingham defence to meet Aidan Morris’ precise pass. Targett controlled the ball under pressure and finished calmly, scoring against the run of play. The move highlighted Middlesbrough’s ability to punish defensive lapses with quick, direct attacks.

Targett doubled the advantage in the 26th minute after a messy spell around the Birmingham area. The ball broke to Hayden Hackney on the left side of the box. Hackney quickly shifted possession to Targett, who again finished confidently from close range.

Birmingham responded after the interval, reducing the deficit three minutes into the second half. Jay Stansfield advanced down the flank and pulled the ball back into the middle. Marvin Ducksch met the cutback and finished off the near post, giving the hosts renewed belief.

Middlesbrough answered on 60 minutes, halting Birmingham’s momentum. Luke Ayling curled an accurate cross towards the penalty spot, picking out Strelec in space. Strelec guided a firm header into the top-left corner, leaving the goalkeeper static and allowing Middlesbrough to manage the remaining half hour.

Data debrief on Matt Targett and Middlesbrough vs Birmingham City

This fixture marked the 253rd game of Targett’s senior career in English football, and it brought a personal landmark. It was the first time Targett had scored more than once in a single match. Targett converted both of Middlesbrough’s goalscoring chances that fell his way.

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Targett’s two attempts carried a combined expected goals value of 0.76, reflecting high-quality openings. No other player on the pitch generated more than 0.31 expected goals, a figure recorded by Ducksch. Middlesbrough attempted 10 shots, one fewer than Birmingham, yet produced clearer chances overall.

Birmingham hit the target seven times compared to Middlesbrough’s three efforts on goal, but Middlesbrough were more clinical. The visitors won the expected goals battle by 1.07 to 0.61, underlining their superior chance quality. Hellberg’s team now carry renewed momentum into the final 11 league fixtures.

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