Source: Northern_Echo
No Riverside treats for Strachan on Halloween
IT is safe to assume that Gordon Strachans first match in charge of Middlesbrough did not exactly go according to plan, this was by no means a happy Halloween.[LNB] Plymouth, who had not kept a clean sheet all season and had been sitting second bottom of the Championship, raided the Riverside Stadium with a narrow victory that has left Boro four points adrift of Championship leaders West Brom.[LNB] At one stage they had even dropped out of the play-off zone, but late goals elsewhere means that they are holding on to sixth spot just.[LNB] Strachan has made the worst possible start to life in his new job, courtesy of a 63rd minute winner from Plymouths Jamie Mackie.[LNB] It was the home form that ultimately cost Gareth Southgate his job and it has taken just 90 minutes for Strachan to realise why.[LNB] There might have been just Mackies goal between these two sides but, in truth, Middlesbrough could have kept playing while the children were trick or treating and they would not have scored. Adam Johnsons missed penalty was the proof of that.[LNB] There was no misfortune about David Wheaters blunder just after the hour that gifted Plymouth their winner.[LNB] Wheater misjudged a hopeful punt up-field from full-back Gary Sawyer and Mackie nipped in to apply the finish under Brad Jones.[LNB] Middlesbrough simply did not look like scoring, so referee Mark Russell helped them along. But even that failed to work.[LNB] A penalty looked harsh on Shane Lowry when Sean St Ledger barged his way into the box after linking up with Leroy Lita and ended on the floor. Johnson ensured justice was done, by shaving the post from the spot.[LNB] Middlesbrough (4-4-2): Jones; Hoyte, Wheater, St Ledger, Pogatetz (Grounds 52), Arca (Yeates 87), O'Neil, Williams, A Johnson, Lita, Emnes (Bent 46). Subs (not used): Coyne (gk); McMahon, Digard, Franks. Plymouth (4-4-2): Larrieu; Sawyer, Lowry, Arnason, Gray; Judge (Clark 81), Fletcher, Duguid, Folly; Mackie, Gow (Barnes 81). Subs (not used): Letheren (gk); Paterson, Timar, Mason, Sheridan.[LNB]
