Source: Daily_Mail
Middlesbrough 1 Leeds United 2: Gordon Strachan under fire as Boro slip to yet another defeat
Gordon Strachan came out fighting as Middlesbrough fans called for his head after this latest damaging defeat.[LNB]Strachan consoled himself by watching a re-run of his favourite TV show, the X-Factor, last night but increasing numbers of fed-up Middlesbrough faithful want him to be the ex-factor when it comes to his job prospects on Teesside.[LNB]Leeds marked manager Simon Grayson's 100th game in charge with a win to take them back into the Championship's top 10, with goals from Davide Somma, before the break, and Luciano Becchio.[LNB] Going down? Strachan's side are hanging precariously over the drop zone[LNB]Kris Boyd levelled in between, but it was not enough as the homeside, pre-season title favourites, were left just two points above thedrop zone, with Strachan fearing for his future after a barrage ofabuse from the stands at the final whistle.[LNB]Gareth Southgate was axed 12 months ago with the club just a pointoff the top of the table, but Strachan said: 'Everything we do at themoment just seems to get punished. Sometimes life's not great and youhave to deal with it.[LNB]Have Somma that! Leeds' South African forward fired them in front[LNB]'I'm the focal point of the club but it's not just about me. Whetheryou're winning trophies or fighting relegation, you do your best. I'veproved I can do well at other clubs.[LNB]'The fans have been great and I'm not going to change my opinion just because of five minutes.[LNB]'I've had tests all my career and it's the fans and the players Ifeel sorry for, not me. I'll go home and watch the X-Factor. Whatdoesn't kill you makes you stronger.'[LNB]Somma fired Leeds ahead with a 12th-minute angled drive into thebottom corner past Jason Steele from Sanchez Watt's cross. Boydlevelled eight minutes after the restart, poking home a Matthew Bates cross from close range.[LNB]Becchio restored the lead 10 minutes later with a stunning volley and went close to another with a 20-yard drive that thumped the angle of post and bar.[LNB]While Strachan struggles at the Riverside, he remains a cult hero atElland Road after winning a league title during his six years there.[LNB]'It's tough but Gordon's a fantastic person and fantastic manager,'said Simon Grayson, a young player starting out at Leeds duringStrachan's spell there.[LNB]'Gordon had a big influence on my career and I know him as a fighter.'[LNB]Middlesbrough (4-4-2): Steele; Bates, Wheater, McManus, Arca; Kink (Lita 65min), O'Neil, Tavares (Halliday 73), Bailey; McDonald, Boyd. Subs (not used): Coyne, Miller, McMahon, Bennett, Smallwood.[LNB]Leeds (4-4-2): Brown; Connolly, Naylor, Collins, McCartney (Hughes 34); Snodgrass, Howson, Faye (Bromby 85), Watt (Johnson 38); Somma, Becchio. Subs (not used): Alnwick, Gradel, Kilkenny, McCormack.[LNB]Referee: C Foy (Merseyside).[LNB] Leeds eye up move for former Liverpool and Fulham keeper WarnerLeeds United striker Grella joins Carlisle United on a month's loan Malcolm Allison (1927-2010): Football's first playboy manager but taught greats like Bobby Moore AND Jose Mourinho how to play the game [LNB] Explore more:People: Gordon Strachan, Gary O'Neil, Simon Grayson, Alex Bruce Places: Leeds
