Muzzy’s Middlesbrough secures first win of the year

Mustapha Carayol

Gambia-hopeful Mustapha Carayol’s Middlesbrough stopped the rot for 2013 as a solitary goal on a dramatic night brought their first league win for the year and their first victory over Leeds United at the Riverside Stadium.

Boro had failed to pick up a point in the New Year before Tuesday and had seen their play-off place come under increasing threat from a number of chasing clubs.

But with the Whites struggling with form issues of their own, they were unable to present a consistent threat and suffered their first defeat at the Riverside since it opened in 1995.

It was a measured start from both sides, with Leeds relying on a couple of long throws from Stephen Warnock while Carayol saw more of the ball than most others in a red shirt.

Tony Mowbray’s outfit continued their pressure after the interval, with Lee Peltier alert to deny Muzzy a shooting chance but the Boro boss could sense the growing frustration around the Riverside as McCormack thudded a free-kick into Steele’s chest.

Curtis Main’s late header helped Middlesbrough pick up their first points and victory of the year. Main looped the ball past Paddy Kenny from Ishmael Miller’s curling cross with eight minutes remaining.

However the goalscorer was sent off shortly after by referee Keith Stroud for a second bookable offence. A trip away at the Selhurst Park awaits the Smoggies who face 5th-placed Crystal Palace next on Saturday.