MIDDLESBROUGH'S troubling start to the season continued against Coventry City as they fell to defeat at the CBS Arena. 

A first half finish from Viktor Gyokeres settled the result and handed the Sky Blues their first victory of the season. 

Digital Sports Writer Matty Jones was watching the game... 

BORO XI:

6 Steffen – Made some good saves to deny Gyokeres and Godden but could have commanded his box better.

4 Dijksteel – caught for the only goal of the game while Gyokeres had the beating of him all game. A tough afternoon.

6 Fry – Had to battle hard against Gyokeres but won the majority of his duals and commanded the defence well.

5 Clarke – Struggled with Coventry’s threat in the first half and well to provide an outlet going forward on the left.

6 Smith – A steady performance on the right hand side and linked play well at times.

6 Howson – Always provided an option for the ball as Boro built up the attack but came to very little.

7 Crooks – Battled for the side and worked the ball well down the right. Was inches from finding an equaliser from Giles cross.

5 Mowatt – Found himself in good areas in midfield but could not deliver when in possession. Anonymous in the second half.

6 Bola – Provided little threat going forward on the left hand side in the first half but grew into the game in the second.

6 Watmore – Provided flashes of danger running in behind but was brought off at half-time.

7 Muniz – Put his body on the line and battled well but should have scored a volley before half-time.

Subs:

6 Akpom 45’ – Was kept quiet by the Coventry City defence in the second half but linked play well at times.

7 Jones 55’ – Was Boro’s biggest threat in the second half with his pace and trickery.

7 Giles 55’ – Delivered some dangerous crosses into the box but Boro could not get on the end of.

NA/ McGree 73’

N/A McNair 76’

Subs not used: Roberts, Jones, Giles, McGree, McNair, Forss, Akpom

Coventry XI: Wilson 7, Panzo 6, Doyle 7, McFadzean 6; Dabo 8, Allen 6, Sheaf 6, Palmer 7, (Eccles 77'), Bidwell 7; Gyokeres 9, Godden 7 (Waghorn 82’)

Subs not used: Moore, Rose, Walker, Kane, Tavares

Man of the Match: Viktor Gyokeres – Took his goal really well in the first half and ran Boro ragged throughout. A top performance.