CHRIS Wilder has described Middlesbrough’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Sheffield United as the best game in the Championship so far this season.

Boro went toe-to-toe with Wilder’s former employers at the Riverside Stadium and twice came from behind to level the game with Chuba Akpom helping himself to both of the goals.

A buoyant atmosphere of around 26,000 supporters were on hand to witness the game as Boro battled to earn a point against the Blades and out of the 35 games that have been played so far this season, none of them have matched the excitement of yesterday’s encounter according to the Boro boss.

Wilder said: “There is a good feel about the place, it doesn’t feel half empty and it didn’t today and I thought it was a great connection.

“When Sheffield United roll into towm, you know they are going to come in numbers. You know they are going to be loud and be boisterous. That all builds to a great atmosphere for both sides.

“We’ll be the same at Bramall Lane. We were the same last year but the team didn’t turn up. We’ve turned up today and for me, it was arguably the best game of football in the Championship so far this season.

“I wouldn’t think there is anything else that has got close to that type of game in terms of two teams going at it, wanting to win, tackles flying in and really good play.”

The result on Sunday means Boro have earned two points from their opening three games of the season and they head to Stoke City on Wednesday in search of their first win of the season.

“It is fine margins at the moment” continued Wilder. “We could have quite easily won two out of the three games but we haven’t and we have to take that on the chin.

“We want to win. I think you saw the attitude of the team. It was team that wanted to win and get the first three points and we unfortunately didn’t because we were up against a really talented a good side.”

Boro will be hopeful of Matt Crooks becoming available for the game after the midfielder missed the Sheffield United game at the Riverside Stadium through illness.