Championship Table 2016 Week 45: Football Results, Updated Standings and More

Birmingham City held Championship leaders Middlesbrough to a 2-2 draw during Friday’s Week 45 action, opening the door for Brighton & Hove Albion and Burnley to pass Boro in the standings later this matchday.

Stephen Gleeson gave the hosts the lead, but Boro struck back via Jordan Rhodes before half-time. Gaston Ramirez added a second goal for the visitors after the break, but Middlesbrough became too defensive after taking the lead, and David Davis tied things up again. 

Boro had their chances to grab a winner and found themselves on the wrong end of some poor officiating, but despite a late push, the Blues held on for one point.

The draw is a big blow for Middlesbrough’s chances of earning automatic promotion to the Premier League. If Brighton & Hove beat Derby County on Monday, Middlesbrough will have to beat the Seagulls on the final matchday. Here’s a look at the latest Championship standings:

BBC 5 Live Sport explained the situation at the top of the standings going into Friday’s match, and Steve Claridge backed Boro to take care of business and earn automatic promotion to the Premier League:

Steve Claridge is going for @BurnleyOfficial & @BoroWho’s your pick for automatic promotion to the Premier League?https://t.co/HWr7yqF4QL

— BBC 5 live Sport (@5liveSport) April 29, 2016

As shared by Sky Sports Statto, the visitors entered the match with a fantastic defensive record:

Middlesbrough have conceded 28 CH goals this season – fewest league goals conceded in a season since club record 24 in 1901-02

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) April 29, 2016

The hosts had little to play for, as qualification for the play-offs was no longer mathematically possible, but they attacked Middlesbrough early and gave the fans at St. Andrew’s a good show. The first real chance fell to Boro, however, with Stewart Downing scuffing his shot.

Paul Caddis did well to clear the ball just …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com