Boro hand Speed debut defeat

Middlesbrough’s Kris Boyd condemned Gary Speed to defeat in his first match as Sheffield United manager as the Scottish striker sealed a 1-0 win at the Riverside Stadium yesterday.

Boyd bagged his first goal for Gordon Strachan’s side following his move from Rangers to give Middlesbrough the points and deny former Leeds and Newcastle midfielder Speed a winning start to his first managerial role.

The Blades, who parted company with Kevin Blackwell following the 3-0 defeat to QPR, slipped to the bottom of the Championship on goals scored.

They were beaten in the 52nd minute when Scott McDonald’s flick-on was misjudged by Blades captain Chris Morgan and Boyd broke clear before slotting a low shot into the far corner.

Daniel Bogdanovic was a second-half substitute for Sheffield United yesterday. The Malta striker replaced Ched Evans after 66 minutes.