Pre-season work on set-pieces paid off for Middlesbrough as Rob Edwards began his reign with an opening-day victory over Swansea City.

In a repeat of Boro ’s win on the first day of last season, Dael Fry was the hero as his early second half goal from a corner sealed just a second first-game victory for Boro in ten years. By no means at their best, Boro were at least solid defensively to ensure the new head coach got off to a winning start.

Edwards had a few big calls to make when it came to naming his first Boro team. Callum Brittain and Alfie Jones both made their full debuts while third summer signing Abdoulaye Kante was on the bench. After turning down a move to Ipswich Town, Hayden Hackney was trusted to start, but amid transfer speculation and a back injury in pre-season, Rav v

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