Aitor's Off And Running

Middlesbrough   1          Bolton   0

                                     Leadbitter (Pen)  82

Ten chaotic minutes proved decisive for Aitor Karanka as he celebrated his first home game as Middlesbrough manager with a dramatic victory over Bolton yesterday afternoon.

Boro’s new manager was welcomed by a sea of red “Karanka-chiefs” lighting up the North stand, as he was welcomed with open arms and given a roaring reception by the 23,000 fans at a packed Riverside before kickoff.

The match itself was far from a classic and the new coach will have to make adjustments if his side are to challenge at the top end of the table.  In a match where neither side posed a massive goal threat or managed a shot on target from open play, the contest narrowly came down to a tale of   two contrasting penalties.

Aitor Karanka is welcomed to the Riverside by Boro fans

The first from Grant Leadbitter, eight minutes from time, was neatly tucked away as calm and collectively as any Boro fan could wish for, while Jermaine Beckford’s spot kick minutes later was the complete opposite, as the Bolton striker squandered the chance to equalise skying his effort well over the bar .  

"It was very emotional for me from the moment I signed the contract I had dreamed of the first home game and the greeting I got from our people made it very special” said Karanka after the match “But it nearly turned into a nightmare when Bolton won the penalty so late on in the game. We still need to improve."

Karanka made four changes from the side which was defeated at Leeds in his first game in charge. Jason Steele was suspended which allowed new loan signing Shay Given to make his Boro debut, becoming only the sixth player to represent all three major North East clubs.

In defence Ben Gibson replaced Daniel Ayala at centre back while Rhys Williams came in for Frasier Richardson at right back. Marvin Emnes was the other casualty as he made way for Jacob Butterfield who made up a three man midfield with Grant Leadbitter and Richard Smallwood, Mustapa Carayol and Albert Adomah operated the flanks with Kei Kamara upfront.

Karanka’s introduction on the big screen created an early vibe helped hugely by Boro’s highest home attendance of the season which stood at 23,679.

However, with the crowd ready to explode into life, on the pitch Boro couldn’t light the flame to   ignite them, as lack of clear cut chances made it difficult for the fans to show their support.

Scoring goals hasn’t been a major problem for Boro this season they had already scored 32 in the league before kick off; however they struggled to bring their attackers into the game as Adomah, Carayol and Kamara had to continuously drop deep to try and receive the ball.

The hosts were comfortable in possession but never tested Bolton keeper Andy Lonergan, their best chance fell after 17 minutes when Kamara’s lofted cross into the opposition penalty area was headed away into the path of George Friend, however the full back could only drag his low effort wide.    

At the other end Given faced just as little, however his experience showed as the former Republic Of Ireland keeper commanded his area, keeping his defenders in check.     

In a highly contested midfield battle Grant Leadbitter’s late challenge drew the first yellow card of the game from referee Mark Brown, Leadbitter’s fifth of the season meaning he will miss next week’s visit to Derby.

Before the interval Boro managed to carve out a couple more chances but none were clear cut. Gibson did well to steer his header towards goal however it sailed over the bar, before Butterfield’s full blooded strike was stopped by a committed block from Jay Spearing. It had been a cagey 45 minutes which had been left on a knife edge for either side to grasp.

Bolton entered the match in good form, unbeaten in their last eight having won their last three. After the break they showed glimpses why. Jermaine Beckford twice had the chance to put the visitors in front; however he failed to hit the target on both occasions, rolling his first one wide from inside the area before minutes later sending a right foot volley well over the bar with only Given to beat.    

After an hour Karanka withdrew Carayol to bring on Curtis Main, who made an immediate impact, wriggling away from Spearing’s challenge to fire a left foot shot inches wide re-engaging the fans for a dramatic climax.

Five minutes later Butterfield was replaced by Emnes who also went straight into the thick of the action. 

Boro’s Dutch striker controlled the ball in the Bolton penalty area and spun towards goal but was caught by defender Tim Ream prompting the referee to point towards the spot.

Up stepped Leadbitter, who coolly rolled the ball low to Lonergan’s left sending the Bolton keeper the wrong way with eight minutes to go.

However the contest was far from over seconds later Boro missed the chance to seal the match when Emnes dispossessed Ream and picked out Kamara to his left, instead of going for goal Kamara attempted a square pass to Smallwood at the far post however his attempt trickled out of play.

Boro were nearly made to rue the opportunity three minutes from time, a needless challenge from Williams on Bolton substitute Andre Moritz just inside his own box gave the visitors chance to equalise with a penalty of their own.

Beckford opted to take it but blazed the ball well over the cross bar high into the south stand, letting Boro off the hook and giving Karanka the perfect Riverside debut.

Player Ratings  

Shay Given   7- Brought stability and leadership to the Boro defence on debut

Rhys Williams   6- Gave option going forward, clumsy tackle nearly led to Bolton equaliser

Jonathan Woodgate   7- Solid at the back but not asked too many questions

Ben Gibson   7- Composed on the ball cleared his lines when he had too

George Friend   6.5- Got forward on a few occasions to add attacking presence

Grant Leadbitter   8- Stand out player due to work rate and range of passing, tucked away penalty to win the match

Richard Smallwood   7- Broke up play, overall solid in midfield

Albert Adomah   6- Came to life in closing stages but overall a quiet afternoon

Mustapha Carayol   5.5- Struggled to have an impact on the game on the wing

Jacob Butterfield   6- Struggled to create many chances in advanced midfield role  

Kei Kamara   6.5- Won majority of headers but generally lacked support  

Subs

Curtis Main   6.5- Created a spark when he came on to get the fans going

Marvin Emnes   6.5- Added extra option upfront, winning the decisive penalty  

My Boro Man Of The Match : Grant Leadbitter