Swansea City crashed to a narrow and disheartening 1‑0 defeat at Middlesbrough on the opening day of the new Championship season.

Newly appointed Boro manager Rob Edwards got off to a winning start with a fine header from Dael Fry in the 51st minute.

The opening 45 minutes promised more for the Swans. Early pressure almost yielded rewards when Josh Tymon fired just over, and Ronald followed with a venomous half-volley that clipped past the near post. Liam Cullen also found the goalkeeper’s hands after rising to meet Josh Key’s teasing cross.

But the second half would belong to Boro. Six minutes after the break, Morgan Whittaker’s inswinging corner found Fry at the near post, and he guided a decisive header inside the far post to spark celebrations at the Riverside.

The goal marked Fry’s first since February 2022 and lifted Rob Edwards’ spirits in his first match as Boro manager.

Middlesbrough then took control, pressing high and denying Swansea a foothold in the game. A feature of Boro’s change in style under Edwards, sharper, more energetic, and press-oriented, was on full display.

Despite their efforts, Swansea rarely threatened again. The hosts defended robustly, and the Swans’ frontline, under new full-time boss Alan Sheehan, lacked cutting edge.

Sheehan admitted as much post-match: “We didn’t create anywhere near enough; they made sure we played down the sides a bit too much. No excuses, just disappointment.”

With little change to the team from last season, the old issues remain: a lack of cutting edge in front of goal meaning that the odd one against can bite harder. Sheehan will be looking for more from Cullen, Ronald, and Eom Ji-Sung.

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