Source: SKY_Sports
Hard work ahead for Strachan
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Gordon Strachan endured a difficult opening to life in the Middlesbrough hot-seat on Saturday.[LNB] The former Celtic coach, who has stepped into the shoes of the ousted Gareth Southgate, made his bow at the Riverside Stadium against Plymouth.[LNB]He was left frustrated at the final whistle after seeing his new side spurn a host of glorious opportunities, and a solitary strike from Jamie Mackie ultimately settled the tie in favour of the Pilgrims.[LNB]"It was frustrating," admitted Strachan. "It always is when you lose. But it was nice to be back. I enjoyed it, not the game but the experience.[LNB]"It will take hard work for us to find a winning formula.[LNB]"In terms of creating chances and getting the crosses in we don't have a problem but that formula in terms of scoring goals is just not there. Maybe a bit of that is in the head."[LNB]Boro slipped to a fourth defeat and fourth blank in five home games, and Strachan admitted: "I wish there were some words to say to put that right but there aren't.[LNB]"You can only do it by hard work in training and hard work on the pitch.[LNB]"We need to finish the chances but then we all know what's wrong. You don't need to be a Uefa qualified pro to see that. We'll put it right."[LNB]MayhemPaul Sturrock, whose side took the spoils after Adam Johnson squandered a second half penalty, was delighted to be making the long journey back to the South Coast with three priceless points in the bag.[LNB]"I am delighted with the win and delighted with the work rate," he said. [LNB]"We had some nervous moments - the penalty was one and (Kari) Arnason cleared one off the line - but you are not going to come to Middlesbrough and not get that.[LNB]"But we didn't just sit back. We had our chances too and their keeper had to make a few good saves too.[LNB]"We worked hard at the back and in midfield to keep a quality side at bay and we scored a great goal.[LNB]"Jamie Mackie caused mayhem for them. Their centre-backs won't have a harder afternoon all year. It was a good goal, a good touch to take him through and a good finish."[LNB]
