HUDDERSFIELD TOWN might be sitting below Middlesbrough in the Championship’s relegation zone, but Jonathan Woodgate does not think that counts for much ahead of tonight’s meeting between the two clubs.

Despite Boro’s improvements in performance against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, the winless run continued and that 1-0 defeat stretched the sequence to five matches since Woodgate’s side picked up three points.

That victory over Reading on September 14 was only the second time under him Middlesbrough have had that winning feeling from 13 games in charge, highlighting why relegation concerns have grown.

Four of those last five without a win have ended in defeat to Cardiff, Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham and West Brom, and with options limited there is certainly no expectancy for Middlesbrough to improve on that at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Even though Huddersfield are sitting below Middlesbrough after their dreadful start back in the second tier that ended with Danny Cowley being appointed as manager last month, he has improved the Terriers already.

Huddersfield are unbeaten in their last four and have won two of those to close within climbing out of the relegation zone, having started the campaign with eight defeats from their opening nine matches this season in all competitions.

No wonder then that Woodgate, well aware of how Cowley performed so well in transforming the fortunes of Lincoln City, is warning his players they will have to build on a better showing against West Brom by delivering points to go with a performance.

“I think since Huddersfield’s new manager has come in, they have done really well,” said Woodgate. “They are four unbeaten now and play some good football. I watched them against Blackburn at the weekend and again, they are playing good and he is doing well with them.

“They play out from the back, expansive and have three really quick front players, so, like I say before every game, it will be a big test for us.”

Given the improvements at the John Smith’s Stadium, there has been a more optimistic mood around the place, so the 1500 or so travelling fans will have a part to play – if Middlesbrough’s players can give them something to shout about.

Woodgate said: “We have always filled there with our allocation. Their place is rocking. I also watched them live when I went to the game against Sheffield Wednesday, Danny Cowley's first home game, and, like I say, it was rammed.

“We need to win. That is what we are trying to do, aren't we? Trying to get that next win and it's important we get it as quickly as possible.”

Middlesbrough’s players were disappointed in the aftermath of the defeat to West Brom having played reasonably well without putting the ball in the net.

In Woodgate's interview with Middlesbrough’s staff - there was no pre match press conference - he indicated there is a desire to put things right as soon as they can.

“Without a doubt (heads were down),” said Woodgate. “We were in Sunday and all the boys trained hard and I've told them if they play like that, they will get wins in this league. That's what we need to start doing, win games.

“I want the games to come as quick as possible and Huddersfield are in a similar position to us. It is a big game like every other game and we want to win the game.”

Huddersfield will be boosted by the return of midfielder Alex Pritchard tonight after a lay-off. The former Brentford playmaker was previously targeted by Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough boss Woodgate has already admitted considerations are being made as to possible targets for the January transfer window, with the squad in need of a lift during that period.

There has been a change of approach in recent times over the type of player being considered, with younger players being monitored regularly in the hope of landing a gem.

And Middlesbrough are believed to be keeping an eye on Grimsby Town’s 17-year-old Joe Hope. The defender is also being tracked by Everton, even though he is yet to make a first team appearance for Town inn League Two.