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Strachan’s boost
Middlesbrough 2, Barnsley 1
GORDON Strachan celebrated his 53rd birthday in style as Middlesbrough beat Barnsley to earn only the second home win of his reign at the Riverside.
Scott McDonald made his debut after a £3.5million move from Celtic, but it was another former Celtic striker who made the biggest impact with his first goal in a Boro shirt.
New Zealand international Chris Killen hardly got a look in at Parkhead, but he was in the right place at the right time to turn in Gary O’Neil’s corner from close range, after Jonathan Grounds’ flick on.
Boro had a let off when referee Carl Boyeson failed to spot an Emanuel Pogatetz handball and the hosts went on to double their lead 10 minutes before the break.
Barry Robson released former Portsmouth midfielder O’Neil through the middle and he kept his composure to slot a precise finish past goalkeeper Luke Steele.
Barnsley grabbed a goal back when Hugo Colace drilled a low 66th-minute strike past Danny Coyne.