CHUBA Akpom's stunning strike set Middlesbrough on their way to victory against Blackpool - but head coach Michael Carrick preferred the striker's second goal.

While Carrick says Akpom's first was the "little bit of a magic" that was required to break the deadlock against the stubborn and organised visitors, the second, a team goal from back to front, was exactly what the head coach wants to see from his side.

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen got the ball rolling and Boro worked it up the pitch, with Riley McGree finding Chuba Akpom with an inch perfect through ball and the striker slotting home.

The brace took Akpom to 16 for the season and if his first goal against Blackpool was evidence of his sky-high confidence, the second was straight from the training ground.

Carrick said: "The first was a terrific individual goal and sometimes it takes that when teams set up like that against you and close so much space off. You need that little bit of magic to give you a nudge ahead in the game and it was that.

"It was a terrific goal from Chuba. Me personally though, I love the second goal because it was a team goal, all the way from Zack, through the pitch and to Chuba was really good. I was delighted with that one which we finished off with a great combination between Chuba and Riley."

Paddy McNair wrapped up the points for Boro, steering home at the back post after Darragh Lenihan's glancing header from Ryn Giles's corner, another goal that pleased Carrick.

"I'm just as happy to see the set-play one go in as well to be fair. We haven’t scored enough of them so we’re delighted with that and pleased with Paddy."

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Asked whether Boro have been working specifically on set-pieces Carrick said: "There’s always a focus. There’s obviously a lot to get through in a training week, but of course not scoring enough from set-plays is something we’ve been conscious of and trying to develop and improve upon.

"It’s an obvious weapon and means of scoring a goal, especially in tight games when you can’t break a side down.

"Having that capability does give you a helping hand, so of course, we want to be a bit better at that, and I was delighted we got one today."