By Joe Thomas

STAR MAN PADDY McNAIR Middlesbrough

CRUNCH: Stoke’s Danny Batth collides with Middlesbrough goalkeeper Darren Randolph
PICTURES: PA Images

BATTLE: Britt Assombalonga, left, and Stoke’s Ashley Williams

RELIEVED Boro boss Tony Pulis praised his gutsy players after they held their nerve to earn a place in the play-off spots ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
Britt Assombalonga’s 14th goal of the season in the second minute enabled Boro to see off a toothless Stoke, who missed a number of chances.
The win lifted Middlesbrough u...