Jordan Hugill’s hot run of form continued as he struck his third goal in two games in Middlesbrough’s 2-1 Championship victory at Brentford.
Fresh from striking twice in a 2-0 home win over Wigan Athletic before the international break, the on-loan West Ham United forward bagged the opener as Tony Pulis’s side held off the Bees at Griffin Park.
Hugill had already tested Brentford goalkeeper Daniel Bentley with a rasping first-half drive before opening the scoring eleven minutes after half-time, slotting home Jonny Howson’s pass from six yards.
“It was brilliant to score in front of the Middlesbrough fans, especially at an away game,” said the Middlesbrough-born striker. “They were out in full force, so I can only thank them for coming.
“With us being quite defensive and trying to keep the clean sheets, you’ve got to take the chances when they come.
“I had one chance in the first half which was a good save from their ‘keeper, but to get a goal in front of our fans was brilliant.”
After Hugill’s goal, Marcus Tavernier headed in former West Ham winger Stewart Downing’s cross to make it 2-0 before Alan Judge scored a late consolation for the home side.
Boro’s win sees them keep pace with leaders Norwich City, two points behind the Canaries, ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Preston North End.
Elsewhere, Toni Martinez was also on target, netting his second goal for Spanish Second Division side Rayo Majadahonda in their 2-1 defeat at Tenerife.
The 21-year-old scored for the first time since doing so on his debut in August, firing home eight minutes after being introduced as a second-half substitute.
Newly-promoted Rayo sit 12th in the table ahead of a home game with promotion-chasing Deportivo de La Coruna on Sunday.
In Italy, Edimilson Fernandes played the full 90 minutes for Fiorentina in their 0-0 Serie A draw at Bologna.
Fresh from playing his part in Switzerland’s 5-2 UEFA Nations League win over Belgium, the midfielder was in impressive form at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
Back in England, Marcus Browne also completed 90 minutes for Oxford United in their 2-0 League One defeat at Bradford City.
And finally, in the Netherlands, Martin Samuelsen was an unused substitute as VVV-Venlo came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie.