Boro bite back for Carrick

MICHAEL CARRICK saluted Middlesbrough’s “fantastic’’ spirit as they claimed their first league win this season – at the eight attempt.

Boro climbed off the foot of the Championship table after coming from behind against Southampton, who suffered a fourth straight defeat.

Captain Adam Armstrong’s fifth goal this season gave Saints a 17th-minute lead, but Riley Mcgree replied just before the break.

And Boro skipper Jonny Howson converted a 66th-minute penalty after Josh Coburn was hauled down by Taylor Harwoodbellis.

Boss Carrick said: “I couldn’t ask more of them. I’ve spoken a lot about how strong the group are. It’s times when you’re tested that you see true characters. The way they went about it was fantastic.’’

But Boro made it hard for themselves when Matt Crooks gave the ball away. Flynn Downes fed Che Adams who played in Armstrong to finish.

The home side were almost level in the 28th minute when Coburn and Isaiah Jones combined on the right, but Mcgree arrived a little late. But Mcgree made amends by drilling home in the 44th minute.

Russell Martin, who took charge at Southampton this summer after the south coast side’s relegation, admitted: “There’s a huge hangover – probably bigger than we thought. As for the penalty, I think they were pulling each other. I think the referee has guessed.’’ MIDDLESBROUGH: Dieng 7; Van den Berg 6 (Smith (72) 5), Fry 6, Lenihan 6, O’brien 6; Howson 7, Hackney 7; Jones 7 (Silvera (90) 5), Crooks 5 (Greenwood (68) 5), Mcgree 8; Coburn 7 SOUTHAMPTON: Bazunu 7; Holgate 4 (Manning (46) 6), Bednarek 6, Harwoodbellis 5, Walker-peters 6; Downes 6, Charles 6 (Edozie (72) 5), Smallbone 7 (Aribo 83) 5); A Armstrong 7, Adams 6 (S Armstrong (72) 5), Fraser 5 (Sulemana (68) 5) STAR MAN: Riley Mcgree – Brought Boro back into it, worked tirelessly and nearly grabbed a second goal.

Tim Robinson 6