Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis has praised his side's performance in the 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Friday night.
A late goal from Daniel Ayala settled the game at the Riverside Stadium, with Boro moving three points clear at the top of the Championship table.
Boro were made to work hard to secure their fourth successive win at the second tier, but Pulis feels that his team were fully deserving of their triumph.
Pulis told BBC Tees: "West Brom have a lot of quality players and I still think any team that finishes above them will get promoted.
"This league is really, really tough and every game you play you have to be at your maximum. We've turned up again tonight, realised it was going to be tough, worked hard and got the break at the end - which we deserved."
Middlesbrough's next Championship outing comes next Friday, when they make the trip to Leeds United.
Darren Plant
