Boro deservedly led against Fulham at Craven Cottage thanks to Hayden Hackney’s first half opener, and it was only after home boss Marco Silva turned to his big guns from the bench that the Premier League club fought back to win.
Substitute Harry Wilson scored a stunning leveller and set up the late third goal for Kevin, with Tom Cairney, also introduced in the second half, creating the second goal for Emile Smith-Rowe,
Come full-time, Hellberg admitted perhaps a Fulham win was a “fair result”. But Boro were the better team for an hour and, even in defeat, can take heart moving forward as they turn their attention back to their Championship promotion push.
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“It’s mixed feelings,” said Boro’s boss.
“I’m proud of a lot of things – a good performance. I felt that we had a good chance to win it. They were there for the taking, but we didn’t.
“And yeah, I think over 90 minutes you have to say it’s a fair result that they win. But I think over 60 minutes, 70 minutes maybe, I think it’s a game that is quite even.
“I’m impressed by how we play, how we act, how we press them, how we play with the ball.
“There was a lot of good things, but, of course, I’m disappointed in not actually winning it.”
Kim Hellberg was true to his word and named a full strength side, making only two changes – one forced, with Alan Browne replacing the injured Alex Bangura.
And although the likes of Wilson were rested, Silva also went strong.
Boro were backed by 5,000 fans in the capital and the travelling supporters showed their appreciation at full-time.
Hellberg said: “In general, I’m proud. You go away for a tough away game against a very good team.
“To go at them in the way we did, I’m very proud. We pressed them all over the pitch, we were brave on the ball. There’ll be some misplaced passes, but that’s how it is if you want to play.
“It was a good chance for us to see how good we can play against an intense, good team away, and take steps from it and learn from it.
“We started with a good team and then sub the players off, to save them for the last 15 minutes or so. We try to learn from every game, but this was a good possibility for us to play a very good team away this afternoon.”
Boro’s boss added: “I still think before their first goal I cannot find so many chances they had. But, of course, that is a quality goal from Wilson – a top finish.
“We should always want to defend that better, but that is how it is. And then when the game starts to turn, we still create some chances.
“We hit the bar. But yeah, over 90 minutes they are a very good side. They’re a very good team, well coached, good at home.
“They’re five in a row without a loss and beat Chelsea three days ago. They were a little bit better over 90 minutes, I think. But that’s where we have to get better.”