No substitute for a goalscorer

Substitute Scott McDonald scored twice as Middlesbrough came from behind to record a fourth successive victory against Bolton Wanderers at the Riverside.

The Australian was only on the pitch after Marvin Emnes was forced to limp off midway through the opening half. But he went on to capitalise on a slip from goalkeeper Adam Bogdan before heading the winner from fellow replacement Emmanuel Ledesma's late cross.

Boro manager Tony Mowbray earlier named an unchanged side for the first time this season. He soon witnessed Chris Eagles with a 25-yard effort narrowly wide for the visitors, while Ishmael Miller twice threatened in reply and either side of Grant Leadbitter producing a full-length stop from Bogdan.

Home striker Emnes then cleared the bar from the edge of the area and soon forced another block from Bogdan before Miller despatched an effort over. Adam Reach also dropped a free-kick onto the roof of the net.

But it was Bolton going ahead against the run of play as Chung Yong Lee clipped over goalkeeper Jason Steele. It had arrived with their first serious attempt on target.

However, Lee could soon have added another when dispossessing Andre Bikey and sending his finish over while Kevin Davies curled narrowly wide after receiving from Martin Petrov.

Chasing the game at the start of the second-half, Boro's on loan striker Miller headed over before George Friend defended well at the other end - until Bogdan couldn't hold from Miller and McDonald slid home an equaliser.

Bolton were naturally still trying to impress their newly-appointed boss Dougie Freedman and he next witnessed Eagles having a low 20-yard shot gathered by Steele.

However, the former Crystal Palace manager would have been disappointed with the defensive work when Ledesma crossed with just five minutes remaining and McDonald glanced his header beyond Bogdan to claim the winner.

Middlesbrough: Steele, Parnaby, Hines, Bikey, Friend, Leadbitter, McEachran (Halliday 87), Reach (Ledesma 46), Haroun, Emnes (McDonald 22), Miller

subs (unused): Leutwiler, Hoyte, Bailey, Smallwood

Goals: McDonald (67, 85)

Bolton Wanderers: Bogdan, Mears (Ngog 87), Ream, Warnock, Ricketts, Eagles, Petrov (Afobe 65), M. Davies (Pratley 77), Spearing, Lee, K. Davies

subs (unused): Lynch, Mills, Riley, Andrews, Pratley

Goals: Lee (42)

Ref: Sutton

Att: 16,200

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