Bamford makes it miserable Blues bow for Monk

BIRMINGHAM CITY MIDDLESBROUGH 0 1 CHAMPIONSHIP REJUVENATED Patrick Bamford continued his scorching run of form with his seventh goal in the last four games to seal victory for Middlesbrough.

It meant Birmingham’s new manager Garry Monk – former Boro boss – was shown the size of the task facing him as the Blues’ suffered their sixth successive Championship defeat in his first game in charge.

It was an unhappy 39th birthday for Monk as his successor Tony Pulis, making his first return to the Midlands since being sacked by West Brom, chalked up his seventh win in 14 games since taking over at Boro.

Birmingham made a positive start, but it was Middlesbrough who appeared to be the more dangerous. Bamford displayed his potential threat when he set up Mo Besic, but he saw his close-range effort deflected for a corner.

Boro were playing with cool assurance and applied strong pressure, with Adama Traore in particular proving troublesome with his trickery and pace.

Birmingham’s response was a powerful long-range effort from Craig Gardner that had former Blues goalkeeper Darren Randolph scrambling to his right to save, and the reinstated Jota sent an effort into the side netting.

One pleasing feature for Birmingham was the return to form of Jacques Maghoma. Given the freedom to roam by Monk he was revitalised compared to recent lethargic form.

Resolute defensive play kept Birmingham in the game, but they finally succumbed in the 39th minute when a left-wing cross from Traore went through a packed defence and found Bamford on the far post, where he turned home the ball from close range.

Birmingham strived to get back into the game, but they highlighted why they are the team with the worst goalscoring record in the entire Football League.

Jota continued to be a potential threat before the introduction of striker Sam Gallagher and Jeremie Boga failed to produce the elusive equaliser and the hosts remain in the relegation zone.