High-flying Middlesbrough kept in touch with the automatic promotion places last night following a win over play-off chasing Cardiff City at the Riverside Stadium.

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This was an important match for both sides to pick up points from, as they look to close in on their respective aspirations, so Karanka will be delighted that his team claimed the victory.

FLW writer Tom Percival highlights THREE things he learned from the game as Middlesbrough remain in third and Cardiff drop to eighth place.......

1) Middlesbrough back on track

Karanka's side have gone through a sticky patch of late, not winning in their last five games, but that came to an end last night.

Middlesbrough had gone from being Championship leaders to playing catch up to Burnley and Hull, albeit with games in hand.

The Boro hopeful will now want to believe that last night's victory will be significant in getting their season back on track, and ensuring it is a campaign to remember.

2) David Marshall continues to show his class

Cardiff were soundly beaten last night, but their keeper continues to impress, as he has done for a number of years.

The Scotsman made numerous saves to keep his side in it, from the wealth of expensive attackers Boro had an offer, and even saved a Grant Leadbitter penalty.

If Cardiff have aspirations of sneaking a play-off spot come the end of the season, their captain will have a crucial role to play in ensuring goals conceded are kept to a minimum.

3) Rhodes needs time

Big money signing Jordan Rhodes missed a number of good opportunities last night, and if this continues it could lead to many questioning the lofty price tag of £11 million.

However, Karanka will be well aware it takes time for strikers to adapt to a new team and system halfway through a season.

He has already scored for his new side so doesn't need to be concerned with that, and got into really encouraging positions during last night's game.

He may have been snatching a chances little, but over the next few weeks Rhodes will undoubtedly prove to be a crucial factor in Middlesbrough's promotion push.