MIDDLESBROUGH fans braved the elements yesterday as Storm Arwen gripped the country and manager Chris Wilder highlighted the significance of their support.

A sold out crowd of 2,200 Boro fans made the relatively short trip to Yorkshire to watch their side beat Huddersfield Town 2-1 at the John Smith’s Stadium.

A brace from Duncan Watmore did the damage before the Terriers got a late consolation as Luke Daniels so the ball deflected off his back and into the net for an own goal.

Wilder experienced his first taste of Boro’s travelling support and he admits he loves seeing a good away following rewarded.

The 54-year-old said: “I like away games. Especially when you win, but you have to win.

“Sometimes a little bit more special. I’m not being disrespectful but when you are together as well, which we have been, it’s good to reward them.

“Travelled down in numbers and not been the best of days (weather wise). I suppose when they looked out the window this morning, maybe there might have been a little bit of doubt in terms of coming but maybe not as well, because that’s what they are about.

“Even when we walked through at quarter past one, there were punters stood in the cold cheering us into the changing room wishing us all the best so that is priceless that we have that connection and we don’t underestimate that.”

Boro’s win lifts them up to 12th in the Championship table and they are now six points off the play-offs.

They now have some breathing space this week and are next in action against Swansea City next Saturday.

Meanwhile, defender Lee Peltier has been sidelined for three to four weeks with a hamstring injury.

The 34-year-old picked up the injury in the midweek defeat to Preston North End. He’s featured 13 times for Boro this season and started in both of Wilder’s first games in charge.