Luck finally turned Tony Mowbray’s way as two late own goals earned Middlesbrough a win over bottom of the league Crystal Palace.
The former Celtic boss gave a very animated performance on the touchline as his side ended a run of four straight defeats.
Trailing to a first half strike from Pablo Counago Mowbray must have feared the worst as Palace brought on substitute Andy Dorman who scored twice for St Mirren in Mowbray’s last match in charge of Celtic.
Two minutes after Dorman’s introduction a cross from Tarmo Kink was deflected into the Palace net before Pat McCarthy headed the ball into his own net in the 85th minute.
“We will take any luck that’s out there,” admitted the new Boro boss. “The lads were a bit down at half-time because it was very disappointing to have worked so hard and be behind.
“But there was no shouting and bawling and no finger pointing. I just talked to them and told them they were a good side and that they had to go out and have belief in their own abilities. They did that and it showed.
“I was pleased for them in the second half because they were better, brighter and we got a few breaks.
“I’m delighted for the supporters because they showed belief and got behind us too.
“We have that win under our belt now and I hope that will help rebuild the confidence so we can start getting results.
“Our next target is to get back-to-back wins and push ourselves back into the pack. We need to find that consistency because when you are down there and win a game, if you lose the next one you are right back down at the bottom.”
Barry Robson failed a late fitness test but former Celts Stephen McManus and Scott McDonald were in the startling eleven alongside Kris Boyd.
The former Rangers striker was replaced by Leroy Lita at half-time but Mowbray claimed that the decision was no reflection on Boyd.
The ‘Boro boss added: “It wasn’t necessarily about Kris, it was more about Leroy. He scored five goals against Hartlepool Reserves during the week and he was champing at the bit to get on the field.
“His confidence levels were high and it was a flip of the coin whether I started him.”
“I’m going through the process of trying to evaluate everybody and give them the opportunity to feel they are starting afresh. Whatever has happened before, everyone will have the opportunity to impress.
“We go to Scunthorpe on Tuesday, they had a good win today but we’ve got to go there believing we can get a result.
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Elsewhere in the division Roy Keane was the only Celt to enjoy a win as Ipswich won 2-1 away to Sheffield United to move into a play-off slot.
Malky Mackay’s Watford drew 1-1 at home to Nottingham Forest while Paul Lambert’s Norwich scored in injury time to earn a draw with Burnley who included Danny Fox and Ross Wallace in their side.
A performance fit for the King of Kings
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