Fry goal gives Middlesbrough win over Swansea

Dael Fry's goal for Middlesbrough was his first since February 2022

Rob Edwards' Middlesbrough reign began with victory as a rare Dael Fry goal proved decisive against Swansea City.

Fry outmuscled full-back Josh Tymon as he met Morgan Whittaker's corner with a firm header which beat Swansea goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux from point-blank range.

It was just a third goal in more than 270 senior career appearances for central defender Fry, who wore the captain's armband as he celebrated the 10th anniversary of his Middlesbrough debut in style.

Fry's goal in the early stages of the second half settled what was a game of few chances, with Swansea beaten narrowly at the Riverside on the opening day of the season for the second year in a row.

While there was plenty of endeavour on show from both sides, chances were at a premium in what was a forgettable contest.

Whittaker came closest to breaking the deadlock before the break, the former Swansea forward's sweet 25-yard drive hitting the crossbar after a touch from Vigouroux.

At the other end, Liam Cullen's header forced Middlesbrough keeper Sol Brynn into action - though that save was comfortable – while Ronald's long-ranger arced a yard wide of the target, but Swansea lacked menace throughout.

What was the main talking point?

Rob Edwards celebrated victory on his return to the dugout having left Luton Town in January

These are two clubs whose squads look light on options with just over three weeks remaining in the summer transfer window.

Edwards and opposite number Alan Sheehan are in the market for attacking players – and on this evidence they both need them.

There was no lack of desire from either Middlesbrough or Swansea, but both sides looked short of quality in what for long spells was a midfield scrap.

It was a case of opportunities not coming, rather than going begging, on a day when defences were on top for the most part.

The frustration for Sheehan, who is in his first full season as a head coach after success as caretaker boss last season, was that one lapse at a set-piece ended up costing Swansea a point.

But for former Luton boss Edwards, who was appointed following the summer departure of Michael Carrick, this was the ideal start to life on Teesside – and he made a point of celebrating with the home crowd at the end.

Carrick lost his job after Boro finished 10th in the Championship in 2024-25.

If Edwards' side are to improve on that effort in this campaign, they will surely need more new faces having brought in only three players so far this summer.

Swansea have made six signings – plus Melker Widell, whose move to Wales was agreed in January – but still have considerable work to do in the transfer market.

Which player stood out?

Ethan Galbraith was one of five Swansea debutants following his summer move from Leyton Orient

Fry will take the headlines having scored for the first time in more than three years.

In a game where neither goalkeeper had much to do, Fry's firm header gave Vigouroux no chance.

Fry, 27, then played his part as a Middlesbrough side who had defensive issues last season began the new campaign with a clean sheet.

Swansea's travelling fans did not have much to shout about, although summer recruits Ethan Galbraith and Zeidane Inoussa – a second-half substitute – produced some encouraging moments and winger Ronald was a threat.

What's next?

Both clubs are in action in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

Middlesbrough are in action at the Riverside once more, this time against League One side Doncaster Rovers (19:30 BST), while Swansea play their first home game of the season against Crawley Town of League Two (19:00 BST).

What they said

Alan Sheehan was named Swansea boss on a permanent basis in the final week of last season

Middlesbrough head coach Rob Edwards:

"I loved it. Really good day for us. [There was] a lot of emotion pouring out at the end because it was a really proud moment for me.

"You are head coach of Middlesbrough Football Club, my family were all there - it was a big moment for all of us and it couldn't have gone any better.

"We would all love it to be 4-0 but the reality is the Championship is tough and a lot of games are going to be fine margins.

"But we came out the right side of it. What I would say on that is that second half, Sol [Brynn] has not had a shot to save.

"I thought we were comfortable even when they had the ball. In and out of possession, I thought we controlled the game, so [the win is] thoroughly deserved."

Swansea head coach Alan Sheehan:

"I thought the first half was OK, two teams kind of cancelling each other out. They scored from a set-piece, that's the difference. That was probably the only bit of quality either team showed in the final third.

"A set-piece or a mistake was going to decide it – it was very tight. Then we huffed and puffed but we didn't create enough chances in the second half.

"First games of the season are always tight. In the first half we potentially had the better openings and the final ball let us down, but defensively we were fine. They rarely threatened our goal.

"I think a 0-0 would probably have been a fair reflection."