Message from Rudy is special for Monk
RUDY GESTEDE scored the only goal of the game to get Middlesbrough’s Championship season up and running.
Garry Monk’s men disappointed in defeat to Wolves at Molineux on the opening day of the season.
But Gestede, who arrived at the Riverside from Aston Villa at the beginning of the year, made the telling contribution to beat the visitors from Sheffield, who had started their season with a 1-0 home victory over Brentford.
The Blades created the first opening of the match when Leon Clarke found a bit of space on the edge of the home box but he got the ball stuck under his feet and his effort was easily blocked.
For Boro, Patrick Bamford made a lively start and had his side’s first notable shot with a 22-yard free-kick which went over.
And it was not too long before Gestede put the hosts ahead – in the 21st minute – and it was all thanks to his perseverance.
The Benin international got his head to Bamford’s lofted pass and was first to the second ball, too, before nodding over Blades keeper Jamal Blackman.
Gestede then so nearly made it 2-0 in the 40th minute but saw his header from Cyrus Christie’s fine, floating cross strike the outside of the post.
United did not start the second half too brightly but after soaking up quite a lot of pressure almost found an equaliser in the 65th minute.
Clarke held the ball up on the edge of the area and nudged it back for Paul Coutts, whose shot was deflected before being brilliantly tipped wide by former West Ham stopper Darren Randolph.
However, Boro remained the most likely side to score and Republic of Ireland ace Cyrus almost found it after another dangerous foray from wing-back. He run through two tackles before lashing in a low shot which Blackman only just kept out.
There was late drama in the third minute of added time when Jack O’Connell had the ball in Boro’s net but the goal was ruled out for offside.