Middlesbrough have taken a vital step closer to the Premier League with a 3-2 win over West Brom in the Championship, thanks largely to a five-star performance from Sammy Silvera.
Smoggies fans were cheering the name of Silvera on Friday night (Sat AEDT) after the Socceroo played a massive part in the five-goal thriller in the west Midlands.
First, the Socceroo was on target in the 58th minute when his right-footed drive from outside the box beat Albion goalkeeper Josh Griffiths to give the visitors a 2-0 lead.
Then, in the dying seconds after the Baggies had equalised to make it 2-2, Silvera dissected the home team's defence with an inch-perfect through ball for Delano Burgzorg who beat the offside trap and converted to secure all three points.
The victory took second-placed 'Boro to within three points of leaders Coventry, who have a game in hand.
The top two teams automatically gain promotion at the end of the season with the next four involved in a playoff to determine a third outfit to go up to the Premier League.
It was Silvera's second goal for the club in as many matches and it couldn't have come at a better time with a pack of chasers breathing down the neck of Boro for second position.
The 25-year-old winger also has two assists this season, which is good timing for him too, as Socceroos manager Tony Popovic finalises his squad five months out from the World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg said the win at The Hawthorns was one of the best memories he has had since joining in November.
"Winning in the last minutes is a feeling that is difficult to get somewhere else," said Swede Hellberg.
"The happiness and seeing everyone on the bench so happy, I think it was one of my best moments since I arrived here.
"It's a top quality goal in the 90th minute (but) cruising to 2-0 is good for my heart so if I can pick that I will."
