By Joe Thomas

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND: Daniel Ayala gets a lift from team-mate George Friend after scoring Middlesbrough’s winner
PICTURES: MI News & Sport

MIDDLESBROUGH have gained the upperhand in the battle for a playoff place, and if they can finish off the job then Daniel Ayala deserves special praise for his part in it.
For the third game in a row the Spanish defender found the net to take his season tally to seven, proving his worth once again at both ends of the pitch and dent Bristol City’s own promotion bid.
Ayala’s winner 22 minutes from time prov...