Video: Middlesbrough make extremely bold move at 3-3, Murphy’s Law ensues

It was a valiant effort, but it didn't quite pay off.

Middlesbrough's hopes of automatic promotion were dealt a potentially fatal blow after their dramatic seven goal thriller against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Boro defied the odds by clawing their way back to 3-3 after trailing by two goals and having George Friend sent off. However, after winning a corner in added time they had the temerity to go for the kill, rather than be content with sharing the spoils.

Goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos was sent forward for the set piece, which was cleared and sparked a swift counter attack from Fulham. The shots-stopper managed to sprint all the way back to his box, but fatigue had set in and he was unable to stop Ross McCormack from securing his hat-trick and the win.

The result means that Watford have sealed their place in the Premier League next season while Boro look set to slug it out in the play-offs.

Check out the dramatic climax to Boro's loss to Fulham below. (Warning: you will have to tilt your head like and eejit to view it, apologies.)

Ross McCormack 3rd Goal Fulham vs Boro 4-3 #FFC #COYW #MFC pic.twitter.com/PtVEAuqxyz — Ethan of Pineapple (@Ethan_Ferrao) April 25, 2015