MIDDLESBROUGH lost further ground on the automatic promotion places by losing a frantic 2-1 tussle with Leeds United to frustrate Garry Monk on his return to Elland Road.

Monk’s Boro struggled to deal with the Whites in the first half and that resulted in the club he left at the end of last season going on to end the Teessiders’ three-match winning run.

One of Monk’s Leeds signings Pablo Hernandez gave the home side the lead in the 24th minute when he converted Ezgjan Alioski’s cross from the right.

And then Hernandez returned the favour nine minutes into the second half for Alioski to extend Leeds’ lead to give Middlesbrough a mountain to climb.

But a controversial penalty decision – when Luke Ayling pulled down Daniel Ayala in the area after the Boro defender had wrapped his own arms around the Leeds man first – opened the door for a dramatic finish.

Britt Assombalonga converted from the spot with 13 minutes remaining and that led to a heavy period of pressure for Leeds to contend with but Middlesbrough couldn’t find the equaliser - and Leeds fans let Monk know about it.

Middlesbrough are now 12 points shy of leaders Wolves and ten adrift of second placed Sheffield United, while Leeds have leapfrogged their opponents to move into the final play-off place.

More to follow …