TWO games, two defeats. A managerial record for Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren that he will not be wanting.

The former Manchester United assistant manager is quickly learning what being in charge of a Premiership club means.

Bolton Wanderers overcame Boro 1-0 on Tuesday night and became the the second team in four days to defeat Boro.

A well-placed Michael Ricketts goal five minutes before half-time was enough to see Bolton's start to the new season read: two wins in two.

But this could easily have been more had the Premiership new-boys taken their chances.

Boro rallied in the second half but, without the firepower of injured Alen Boksic, rarely troubled keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Hamilton Ricard replaced Boksic and Brian Deane was the only other change. He came in for Dean Windass who was relegated to the bench.

It was the first top-flight game at the Reebok Stadium since May 1998 and there were fireworks to celebrate prior to kick-off.

And it was Bolton who started with a bang, as the home crowd's excitement was evident from the first whistle.

A stray Ugo Ehiogu pass allowed Bolton to break on ten minutes through Bo Hansen and Per Frandsen. That attack ended by Boro stopper Mark Schwarzer conceding a corner from Hansen's cross-shot.

And the Trotters went close again shortly after as Simon Charlton's long punt upfield fell straight into the path of Ricketts, but somehow England defender Gareth Southgate got back to make a superb challenge.

If McClaren had been annoyed by the way in which Boro crumbled against Arsenal, his annoyance may have grew a little more as Bolton's enthusiasm got the better of his side.

The England coach had to watch an opening 45 minutes where his players had to settle for attacks on the break.

Jon Greening was looking lively in a three man midfield, but his opposite number Kevin Nolan was equally, if not more, starring alongside his other two middle-men. It was a mistake from Paul Ince in the 39th minute which led to the opening goal.

Ince was dispossessed by midfielder Nolan, who played the ball inside to Ricketts. The striker, who grabbed a stunner in the win over Leicester, then played a one-two with Hansen before side-footing past Schwarzer.

Embarrassed Ince immediately went about making amends for his mistake and crossed from the bye-line to Deane, but the gangly front-man's header was expertly cleared by Gudni Bergsson.

It may only be McClaren's second game in management but he will have to have learnt quickly, as some harsh words were needed in the dressing room at half-time.

Whatever was said it had an effect anyway. First Greening attacked down the right and then Ricard's trickery enabled him to produce a cross from the left.

But still Boro had nothing to show from such pressure. Despite the positive signs after the restart it was Bolton that should have extended their lead.

Dane Frandsen broke from midfield and fed the ball through to fellow countryman Hansen, who should have done better with only the keeper to beat, but his shot went wide.

Anger signs were creeping in again and when Ricketts was brought down by Ehiogu on the edge of the area, the Teessiders feared the worst for the centre-back that was red carded at the weekend, but the referee correctly pulled out the yellow card.

Boro were still making mistakes and McClaren will be aiming to ensure that those are stamped out during the next few matches if his side are going to enjoy a better campaign than last.

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