John Obi Mikel’s goal not enough as Middlesbrough fail to make playoffs cut

John Mikel Obi was on target as Middlesbrough beat Rotherham 2-1 in their last game of the season.

The win was not enough to secure a playoff spot for Boro as result in Derby County vs West Bromwich Albion didn’t favour Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough took the lead in the 28 minute through Brit Assombalonga from the spot kick.

Then John Mikel Obi scored Boro’s second in the 37th minute with a powerful shot, the goal is Mikel’s 2nd goal in 267 league appearances in English football – his first since Sept 2013.

With just over five minutes remaining Kyle Vassell cut in from the right and unleashed a ferocious shot that appeared to hit both bar and post. Still there was danger and when Mikel tripped Vassell in the box the referee pointed to the spot and Michael Smith scored.

Going into the last game, Boro needed a win and for Derby County to drop points in their game against West Brom; they got the their win but Derby County defeated West Brom 3-1 to book the last playoffs place instead of Middlesbrough.