Alves free-kick gives Boro half-time lead

Middlesbrough 1 Stoke 0

Middlesbrough’s record signing Afonso Alves curled home a superb free-kick after missing two easier chances to give his side a fortuitous half-time lead over Stoke.

The Brazilian, who had earlier headed wide and completely missed his kick with the goal at his mercy, struck with 37 minutes gone after Amdy Faye had been sent off for a two-footed tackle on Mohamed Shawky.

Until that point, the visitors had given as good as they got, and Boro goalkeeper Ross Turnbull had to get down well to turn away Liam Lawrence’s 19th-minute free-kick as the Premier League newcomers gave a good account of themselves.