Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka has stated that his team had to work hard to beat Wigan Athletic this afternoon.

The Teessiders have moved to the top of the Championship, for a few hours at least, after Patrick Bamford's first-half goal saw off the struggling Latics.

Karanka says that he expected Wigan to make life difficult for Boro at the Riverside Stadium.

"I knew it would be a very tough game because they are playing all their games as a final," he told Middlesbrough's official website.

"They have been playing better away than at home but we played well in the first half and created chances.

"I'm very pleased because every game is very difficult now. These are the last games and they are more difficult. I'm pleased because it was a big three points and the team fought very well."

Middlesbrough return to action against Watford on Monday.