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. The former Celtic coach, who has stepped into the shoes of the ousted Gareth Southgate, made his bow at the Riverside Stadium against Plymouth.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."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."It will take hard work for us to find a winning formula."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."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."You can only do it by hard work in training and hard work on the pitch."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."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."I am delighted with the win and delighted with the work rate," he said. "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."But we didn't just sit back. We had our chances too and their keeper had to make a few good saves too."We worked hard at the back and in midfield to keep a quality side at bay and we scored a great goal."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."

Source: SKY_Sports