Dael Fry marked the start of Rob Edwards' Middlesbrough reign with a goal as rare as it was important, his second-half header securing a 1-0 victory over Swansea City on the Championship's opening day at the Riverside. The centre-back, captaining the side on the 10th anniversary of his debut, powered in from a corner to earn three points from a contest that was otherwise short on clear-cut chances.
In a game where endeavour outweighed quality, Fry's first goal in more than three years settled a tight meeting between two sides starting new chapters under Edwards and Alan Sheehan. Swansea enjoyed the better of the first half, while Middlesbrough controlled large spells after the break, but defences were largely on top and both managers left talking about fine margins and the need for more attacking firepower in the weeks ahead.
Set-piece strike ends Fry's long wait
The decisive moment arrived five minutes into the second half after Middlesbrough emerged from the interval with greater purpose and forced a couple of corners in quick succession. From Morgan Whittaker's outswinging delivery, Fry wrestled himself in front of full-back Josh Tymon and another marker, meeting the ball with a firm header from point-blank range that flew inside the far post and left Lawrence Vigouroux with no chance.