Middlesbrough 1-0 Bolton Wanderers

Grant Leadbitter's late penalty earned Middlesbrough victory over Bolton in boss Aitor Karanka's Riverside debut.

Leadbitter struck eight minutes from time after Tim Ream fouled Dutch striker Marvin Emnes.

Bolton had a chance to equalise from the spot themselves but Jermaine Beckford fired over after Andre Moritz had been fouled.

Keeper Shay Given helped Boro earn only a third Championship clean sheet of the season on his debut.

The 37-year-old completed a loan move from Aston Villa two days before the game.

It was Given's first competitive game since January but the former Republic of Ireland and Manchester City keeper was rarely troubled.

He was quick off his line to deny Beckford a chance after ex-Sunderland midfielder Leadbitter had played a dangerous back-pass after the interval.

But Boro carved out the better chances and George Friend, Ben Gibson and substitute Curtis Main all went close.

The home side won a penalty on 82 minutes as Emnes was hauled down by Ream, allowing Leadbitter to calmly slot home.

Bolton could have levelled as they won a penalty of their own when Rhys Williams brought down Andre Moritz two minutes from time.

But Beckford blazed high over the bar, much to the relief of recently appointed Boro manager Karanka.

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka:

"It was very emotional for me.

"From the moment I signed the contract I had dreamed of the first home game and the greeting I got from our people made it very special.

"But it nearly turned into a nightmare when Bolton won the penalty so late on in the game. We still need to improve."

Bolton manager Dougie Freedman:

"It stings a bit to concede from a penalty and obviously it stings to miss one too.

"But we played well. I think we played well enough if not to win, certainly not to lose the game.

"Now it is about how the team react."