We must learn our lessons - Johnson

Milan Djuric fired City into the lead at the Riverside on Saturday but George Friend and Daniel Ayala scored two headers from corners to secure Boro’s 2-1 victory.

City could count themselves unlucky, as chances went begging as they piled on the pressure.

The result is a dent in their push for the play-offs, but it is still an achievable target.

“It makes it more difficult of course,” head coach Johnson told BCTV.

“We have to win our last three games now, which we can do, we can beat any team on our day but we have to take all the lessons from today, as individuals because when you’re in the crux of the business end of the season, you really have to bring your best game. We’re not good enough to not bring our best game with eight or nine players.

“We will continue to fight. I have a bunch of lads who are as good and honest as the day is long which is why I love them. It's why I have a spring in my step when I come in for training. I know I’m encountering a group that is trying to get better.

“The level of improvement I have seen this season has been phenomenal: as individuals, as a club as a whole so as a squad so we’re not going to be too down but of course it hurts when we lose a game.”

EXCLUSIVE: POST-MIDDLESBROUGH INTERVIEWS ON BCTV