GREAT BRITT
Boro ace is a Woody marvel MIDDLESBROUGH 1 WIGAN 0
JONATHAN WOODGATE celebrated his first win as a manager at the fifth attempt.
The former England, Spurs and Real Madrid defender was a relieved man as the early grumbling from Teesside fans was silenced by Britt Assombalonga’s winner.
There will hopefully be bigger and more defining nights in Woodgate’s managerial career.
But he will not forget his first three points – a win that gives his regime legitimacy and something to build on.
He had been the subject of growing unrest with a section of the home fans unconvinced by his appointment in June.
That feeling was bolstered by three defeats and a draw before Wigan arrived at the Riverside Stadium.
Boro started the night in the relegation zone and while they looked vulnerable to pace at the back, they were ruthless in taking their best chance of the first half.
It was a brilliant cross from the corner flag from Jonny Howson that did the damage.
Assombalonga met it at the back post, out-muscling Cedric Kipre to power home a header for his second of the season.
The goal gave the nervy home side confidence. David Marshall kept out Assombalonga’s drive and Paddy McNair slashed the rebound into the side-netting.
Wigan boss Paul Cook will consider his side unfortunate not to have scored a couple.
They have athletic and slippery attackers finding space and created a series of chances that unsettled the Riverside crowd but they could not sustain their bright start.
Jamal Lowe was the pick of the bunch, robbing Adam Clayton and denied by Darren Randolph.
Lowe caused big problems drifting in from the left wing and went unchallenged as he curled just wide.
After the break Ashley Fletcher went close after a neat turn on the edge of the area and Lewis Wing let fly.
Daniel Ayala’s header was scrambled off the line.
Boro were comfortable but not dominant for the last hour.
Woodgate celebrated with clenched fists and handshakes with his staff. Relief all round.