MIDDLESBROUGH earned their first win of the Championship season against ten man Swansea City. 

Goals from Riley McGree and Matt Crooks put Boro in the ascendancy before Joel Piroe's penalty offered the Swans a lifeline. 

Ben Cabango's red card left the away side with too much to do as Boro held on for the reuslt. 

BORO XI:

6 Roberts – A straightforward game for the keeper until the last 20 minutes plus stoppage time when Swansea felt their way back in.

7 McNair – A confident performance from right centre-half. The position Wilder ideally sees him in and he didn’t disappoint.

7 Lenihan – Won his aerial duals and was a big presence across the back. You can’t lay any blame at his door for the penalty.

8 Clarke – Excellent debut. Made his challenges at the right time, was confident at the back and picked the right passes. Played a big part in the second goal.

7 Jones – Will have a few bruises after the game. Tormented Swansea all game and was kicked for his troubles but carried on until the end.

7 Howson – As industrious as ever in the middle. Thwarted any danger and was a nuisance for Swansea in midfield.

8 Crooks – A strong performance. He looked like he was getting back to his best after illness. Did well to get across his man for the goal.

7 Mowatt – Another tidy performance in middle. Ticked things over, built up the attacks and was competitive.

7 Giles – Another day, another assist. Troubled Swansea with balls into the box and was a constant threat all afternoon.

7 McGree – Has perhaps been accused of missing some guilt edged chances this season but took his goal really well.

7 Watmore – Another hard working performance from the striker. Caused Swansea with run in behind.

Subs:

6 Muniz 57’ – Almost scored with his first touch of the game hitting the post on the volley. Battled well for the remainder of the half.

NA/ Bola 81’

N/A Smith 81’

N/A Fry 90+’

Subs not used: Daniels, Fry, Djiksteel, Forss

Swansea City XI: Fisher 6, Manning 7, Cabango 4, Allen 5 (Cullen 63’), Grimes 6, Obafemi 7, Nctham 6 (Cooper 45’ 7), Piroe 8, Wood 7, Naughton 7, Congreve 5 (Sorinola 30’)

Subs not used: Benda, Fulton, Darling, Thomas

Man of the Match: Matt Clarke – There were plenty of good performances from Boro today but Clarke stood out on his debut.