By Tom van Klaveren

Brentford 0 Middlesbrough 1 

MIDDLESBROUGH warded off an FA Cup hangover as Grant Leadbitter’s first-half penalty ensured they kept the heat on at the top of the Championship.

A week on from the magic at Manchester City, Boro kept up the fight on both fronts after Leadbitter tucked away his 12th goal of the season with a penalty won by Patrick Bamford – though the victory did not come without its nervy moments.

Aitor Karanka’s men showed early signs that their pace would pose a threat when Jelle Vossen broke down the left and found Bamford, who produced a poor first touch.

Brentford quickly recovered from their sluggish start as Dimi Konstantopoulos made two fine saves from Jota and Stuart Dallas efforts.

But on the stroke of half time, Leadbitter struck after Bamford was brought down by the on-rushing David Button.

Upon the restart Vossen went close with a glancing header, before Brentford nearly forced a spectacular equaliser through a Dallas volley.

The game was becoming increasingly end-to-end and Boro should have moved further clear when Vossen scooped over after being put through by Albert Adomah, who made way for new boy Adam Forshaw in the 68th minute.

But Konstantopoulos had to save the day in injury-time with a point-blank save from Jonathan Dougla