Middlesbrough 0 Leicester City 1

Last updated : 29 September 2009 By Footymad Previewer
Middlesbrough's problems intensified after they slumped to a 1-0 home defeat to Championship new-boys Leicester City.

Boro suffered a pre-match blow with the news that on-loan striker Caleb Folan would be sidelined for several weeks with the hamstring injury he suffered in training.

Former Boro skipper Nigel Pearson was hoping for a triumphant return as Leicester's manager to the Riverside Stadium.

There were big gaps around the ground with the lowest crowd of the season recorded at 18,577.

The standard of football was disappointing in the first half with a lack of flair and limited thrills. Neither Bradley Jones, nor Chris Weale in the Leicester goal were troubled.

Adam Johnson showed flashes of skill in Middlesbrough's attack but he had limited support.

The Sunderland-born forward is a talented player but Boro fans must wonder whether the club can hold on to him in the January transfer window.

First-time tackling by both teams restricted opportunities as not even Leicester's leading scorer Matt Fryatt could make an impression.

Fans obviously hoped for improved football after the break. Joe Bennett shot high and wide for Middlesbrough and Marvin Emnes followed suit shortly after.

Both teams introduced two substitutes after 62 minutes with Steven Howard and Martyn Waghorn coming on for Leicester and Mark Yeates and Leroy Lita entering the action for Middlesbrough.

Leicester skipper Matty Oakley brought down Jeremie Aliadiere when in full flight on the edge of the penalty area and could not grumble over a booking.

Ironically, it was the only yellow card of the night. Johnson flashed the free-kick wide.

Although Middlesbrough dominated play as they pressed and probed, Leicester covered well in defence and often threw bodies in the way of shots.

Boro had a scare when Leicester hit a post after 81 minutes but two minutes later they snatched the lead through Lloyd Dyer.

Gareth Southgate's side tried in vain to pull the game round and skipper David Wheater could have been a last-minute hero but he shot wide of the target.

Pearson will have been delighted with the three points but the wheels appear to have come off Boro's promotion challenge.

No-one could question Middlebrough's commitment but the lack of a recognised goalscorer was evident for all to see.