Dael Fry’s first goal in more than three years ensured Rob Edwards’ reign as Middlesbrough head coach got off to a winning start by delivering a 1-0 victory over Swansea.
Fry’s header five minutes into the second half ended a long personal drought since the defender found the net against QPR in February 2022.
That moment ensured former Luton boss Edwards was able to celebrate three points with the fans at the end of his first competitive game in charge since taking over at the Riverside Stadium from Michael Carrick earlier in the summer.
Swansea had their moments in the first half to take the lead, but Boro stayed level and found the magic touch in front of goal to secure an opening-day win in the Sky Bet Championship.
Edwards handed first starts to summer signings Callum Brittain and Alfie Jones, while Swansea handed league debuts to Cameron Burgess and Ethan Galbraith.
The Swans had the better of the first half and looked full of optimism following investment from Snoop Dogg and Luka Modric.
In fact, the only effort Middlesbrough conjured up during that period was a thunderous long-distance drive from Morgan Whittaker which was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux.
That arrived after half an hour. Before that Swansea had gone close on a few occasions.
Josh Tymon was first to threaten when he fired over the crossbar after latching onto a back heel into the penalty area.
In the space of 60 seconds Ronald shaved the side-netting with a brilliant half-volley from 25 yards before Liam Cullen glanced a header into the arms of Sol Brynn from Josh Key’s cross.
Otherwise, there was very little between two teams that were separated by just a place last season – with Middlesbrough finishing 10th and Swansea three points and one place below.
Middlesbrough looked much brighter after the restart and the opening goal soon arrived after winning a couple of corners in quick succession.
Whittaker’s outswinging corner was in the perfect spot for Fry to work his way ahead of two markers and flick a header inside the far post.
That provided Middlesbrough with the extra spark to ignite the home crowd and suddenly Edwards’ men seemed to grow in confidence.
The game still lacked goalscoring chances and, despite enjoying more of the possession, Middlesbrough could not add to their advantage.
But Edwards got to lead his players on a lap of honour and fist pump the fans to mark a winning start to life as Middlesbrough boss.
The managers
Middlesbrough’s Rob Edwards:
“I am really pleased because this was a tough game. We said it was going to be a game all about fine margins, a lot of the games are won by one goal in the Championship.
“It was lovely to score from a set-play. When we adjusted things at half-time we were relatively comfortable, with no saves to make. We were relatively comfortable without creating as much as I would like. Overall I am very pleased.
“Look at how many times their strikers touched the ball. The wingers did, but very little to their number nines. We kept them quiet. But we played some good stuff at times.
“This was a great day for Dael. Today was his day. A clean sheet, goal, captain’s armband. He was brilliant.”
Swansea’s Alan Sheehan:
“It was a tight game. The set piece decided the game. Both defences were on top.
“The first half we were fine, we had the better opportunities without creating a lot. The keepers didn’t have a lot to do, and that set piece decided the game.
“We didn’t recover well. We didn’t create enough after that. We tried to get more impetus in the game but we have a few things to improve on that.
“There were moments in the game where we were in control. But no excuses, just disappointing to concede in the manner we did.
“It was always going to be a goal like that, from a set-piece or a transition, that decided it. There was not a whole lot between the two teams.
“We knew there would be a new manager bounce, we controlled that well, but to concede so early and not recover is something we have to look at. A goalless draw was probably a fair result.”
