Immediate Reaction: Middlesbrough 2-0 Bolton Wanderers

There was no Boxing Day delight for Wanderers at The Riverside, as Middlesbrough comfortably beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0.

With new Boro manager Tony Pulis watching from the stands, he would have been fairly impressed with how the team performed first half.

Despite wasting several chances, Boro were well in control, aside from a couple of speculative long range efforts from Wanderers.

Boro’s hard work finally paid off in the 49th minute. Martin Braithwaite’s effort deflected off David Wheater and over Ben Alnwick’s head into the net. 1-0 Boro.

It was 2-0 just under twenty minutes later, when Britt Assombalonga was allowed far too much time and space by Wanderers’ defenders to slot the ball into the goal.

Whilst Wanderers did manage eight shots on goal, a completely surprising zero of those were on target.

I’m not saying he is the definitive solution, but why oh why is Adam Le Fondre out in the cold at The Macron? He wasn’t even on the bench today (again).

This team is screaming out for a goalscorer. At least give someone who has had success in that field a bloody chance.

Anyway, Wanderers extend their streak without a Championship away win to 37 games. Good Lord.

The only silver lining is the fact that Sunderland and Burton Albion both lost to Sheffield United and Leeds United respectively. But saying that, we’re playing Sheff at Bramall Lane on Saturday. No points there then.

Wanderers remain just a point away from safety.

Enjoy the rest of your Boxing Day fellow Wanderers.