Middlesbrough fans were very happy as they were able to continue their unbeaten start to the season with a 1-0 win over Birmingham City.
Unlike most of the teams in the Sky Bet Championship, Middlesbrough had to play a mid-week game this week. However it was good news for them as it gave the Boro their first win of the season as they confidently beat Sheffield United 3-1. Birmingham however were still looking for their first win of the season as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Norwich City. The game was made more interesting as Birmingham head coach Garry Monk returned to Riverside following his sacking in January.
The game would end up being decided early on. After finding space due to a good pass from Jonny Howson, Britt Assombalonga got his first goal of the season by curling the ball past the Birmingham goalkeeper. Throughout the first half, Middlesbrough would have plenty of chances but were not able to convert any of them as the Blues kept themselves in the match.
But Birmingham’s slim chances of coming back were dealt a big blow in the second half. Craig Gardner, recently joined by his brother Gary at St Andrews, made a lunging challenge on Howson and it was no surprise that he was sent off by the referee. This ended any chance of a Birmingham comeback and sealed the win for Middlesbrough.
While the fans remarked it wasn’t a pretty game to win, they were very happy to pick up all three points.
We're doing 👍 Yes we need some new additions & yes not been really tested but we seem more of a unit than when Traore played #happyfornow#Boro
— jill (@jillgullon) August 11, 2018
OHHHH LOOKING BACK ON WHEN WE FIRST MET
I CANNOT COMPLAIN AND I CANT FORGET
PULIS YOU’RE THE ONE
YOU STILL TURN ME ON#Boro ARE GETTING PROMOTED AGAIN— Ty (@_TY_97) August 11, 2018
Good win today #Boro the lead continues but I’m not getting carried away because I just don’t think we quite have the quality to make this last all season.
— mikelouden (@mike_louden) August 11, 2018
Another good win at home today for the #boro but a little frustrating that we end up sitting so deep to protect the lead. Saying that great start #UTB
— Lee Middleton (@mush0103) August 11, 2018
Typical Tony Pulis like team performance and I love it… we’re not pretty but we are functional and teams will hate playing us! Howson was different class and Britts finish was superb! #boro
— John Hammett 💙 (@JohnHammett3) August 11, 2018
Buzzing with that win. Jumping around the hotel bar when we scored was fun also 😊😊#Boro 🇬🇷🇬🇷
— Chris UTB (@Borolad12345) August 11, 2018