HEAT IS ALREADY ON COCU
Britt’s strike gives boss Woodgate first win at last
JONATHAN Woodgate celebrated his first win as a manager at the fifth attempt.
The former England, Tottenham and Real Madrid defender was a relieved man as the early grumbling from Teesside fans was silenced by Britt Assombalonga’s winner.
Woodgate had been the subject of growing unrest from a section of the home fans unconvinced by his appointment in June, a feeling bolstered by three defeats and a draw before Wigan arrived at Riverside Stadium.
Woodgate talks a good game, had fresh ideas to relaunch the club with youth, and a more attacking style than last season’s chief Tony Pulis.
But you need points on the board to convince the punters you are up to it and Assombalonga delivered after a shaky first 20 minutes.
Boro started the night in the relegation zone and, while they looked vulnerable to pace at the back, were ruthless in taking their best chance of the 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, outmuscling Cedric Kipre, to power home a header for his second of the season.
He is a vital player for Boro, leading scorer last season with 14 and linked with Celtic in the summer, until Boro stood firm.
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. But Wigan boss Paul Cook will consider his side unlucky not to have scored a couple.
Woodgate celebrated with clenched fists and handshakes with his staff. Relief all round.
BORO: WIGAN: REF: MOTM ATT: BRISTOL CITY piled some early pressure on new Derby boss Phillip Cocu.
Mistakes handed the visitors a deserved win against a side they rarely beat.
City had won only once against Derby in 12 Championship games, but this was worryingly easy for Cocu in the first defeat of his reign.
Derby got a late goal back when substitute Jack Marriott scored five minutes from time.
They were slow to clear as former Ram Andreas Weimann put City ahead in the 16th minute. Then it got worse.
Just before the break Derby full-back Scott Malone was robbed by Jack Hunt, who crossed and Josh Brownhill (above) put away a gift chance.
That makes it one win out of four for Derby and the arrival of Wayne Rooney in January may prove too late to spark a promotion push.
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