A first half Albert Adomah goal was enough for promotion-chasing Middlesbrough to go within a point of league leaders Burnley, with a game in hand.

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Aitor Karanka knew that a victory would see his side keep up the pace with the league leaders as well as build a four point gap between themselves and third-placed Brighton, who face Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

Boro were the better side in the opening 45 minutes and the well taken goal by the Ghanian winger in the 32nd minute was enough to give his side 3 crucial points.

The Teessiders spurned a couple of good opportunities to extend their lead in the game, something which would have made the game more comfortable as Preston dominated the second half.

Simon Grayon's side were denied by a goal line clearance from George Friend and a magnificent save from Dimi Konstantopoulos to deny full-back Marnick Vermijl.

The win sees Boro move a step closer to the Premier League, while Preston's faint play-off hopes now look over.

Here are THREE things we learned from the game:

1) The Riverside is a fortress

Middlesbrough have had a fantastic season so far and one of the key aspects of their promotion-chasing form has been their home form.

Aitor Karanka's side have lost just two league games at home this season while just a further three have been drawn, that's an incredible 16 wins from 21 league games at the Riverside.

Home form isn't often important for side's chasing promotion and with three of Boro's last six games at home, promotion looks a good bet due to their history on their own turf.

2) Preston are capable of challenging those at the top

Middlesbrough's squad is one of the best in the division and the fact that Preston were the better team considerably in the second half on Saturday shows that they are capable of performing at the top of the Championship.

Few would have expected Simon Grayson's men to be challenging for a place in the play-offs this season and their displays have gone under the radar slightly.

If the Lilywhites continue to build in the summer and don't lose any of their important players, they could well find themselves in the play-off places next season.

3) Boro still within a shot of the title

A couple of weeks ago, Burnley looked certainties for the Championship title but after winning four consecutive matches, their closest rivals are just a point behind them with a game in hand.

Boro's home game over Reading on Tuesday is crucial as a draw would see the Clarets retain top spot, but a victory would see the Teessiders leap frog Burnley to the summit.

With five left to play for Aitor Karanka's side, its certainly going to be an exciting end to the season in the race for the title.

Middlesbrough and Preston fans...What did you make of the game? Will Boro go on to win the title? Can Preston mount a play-off push next season? Let us know what you think in the comments below!