Middlesbrough: Gestede Header earns first win as boro boss

Middlesbrough needed a penalty to beat Bolton 1-0 in new manager Aitor Karanka’s Riverside debut.

Middlesbrough was looking for their first win after a disappointing opening day loss to Wolves, while United was looking to build on their 1-0 win over Brentford. The first few minutes of the game were tense, with neither team able to gain a decisive advantage. The first chance fell to the visitors in the seventh minute, when Kieron Freeman’s pullback found Leon Clarke, but his effort from the centre of the box was well blocked.

Chris Wilder’s side then took control of the game for the next ten minutes, with John Fleck’s shot failing to find the net despite a good run through a slew of Boro defenders. Boro scored their first goal despite taking no chances up to this point.

The United defence was rattled by Patrick Bamford’s lofted through ball in the 19th minute. Stearman made a poor defensive header, allowing Gestede to pounce with his header and lob the helpless Jamal Blackman in the visitors’ goal.

The last clear chance of the half fell to Gestede, who directed Cyrus Christie’s cross towards goal, only for it to rebound off the keeper’s right post and out for a goal kick. The second half began similarly to the first, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities.

However, in the 61st minute, Sheffield United’s Coutts struck a fierce 25-yard shot that would’ve nestled in Middlesbrough’s left-hand post if Darren Randolph hadn’t made a fantastic save. Many heavy and often late tackles were flying throughout the game, making for a fairly physical encounter between the two Championship newcomers.

The Blades demonstrated that they would cause problems for many teams this season with their physical display and high press, as Middlesbrough struggled to break down their stubborn defence in the second half.

The Blades fought hard towards the end of the game and appeared to have equalised in extra time, only to have their goal controversially ruled out for offside, with replays revealing that the wrong decision was made. Despite failing to create a clear chance in the second half, apart from a tame Cyrus Christie strike, Boro controlled the game and comfortably held on to claim their first win under new manager Gary Monk.