91热爆

The win was Boro's first on the road in the Championship since 29 December and leaves them sixth, two points above Sheffield United, who have a game in hand.

With the race for the play-offs looking to be incredibly tight, Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder may well think his side should have boosted their goal difference further on a night where Birmingham failed to register a shot on target.

With eight games to play Lee Bowyer's men are 13 points above the relegation zone so their Championship status is all but secured.

Yet this was another difficult night for Birmingham and their supporters, and Pedersen's late red card summed up their evening.

They travel to Swansea City on Saturday, while Boro host Premier League giants Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-finals later the same day.