Middlesbrough continued their preparations for the coming Championship season with a 1-0 friendly win at Gateshead on Wednesday night.

Darragh Lenihan scored the only goal in the first half, with the National League hosts continuing their own impressive summer with what was a fine display against Michael Carrick's side.

HOW THE GAME PLAYED OUT

Gateshead might well play in a division three lower than Boro but Rob Elliot's side were always going to pose a tough test.

In their four friendlies before the visit of Carrick's side, the non-league outfit had scored 18 goals and beat a Sunderland team containing the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Jack Clarke.

And, despite the defeat, they were excellent on Wednesday night.

Carrick took the opportunity to get crucial minutes in the legs of almost all of his senior players, the starting XI - which featured the likes of Jonny Howson, Hayden Hackney, Dan Barlaser, Delano Burgzorg and Emmanuel Latte Lath all playing an hour. The only exception was the returning Lenihan, who was replaced at half-time by Matt Clarke, understandable considering this was the Irishman's first outing in 10 months.

The hosts were sharp and lively from the off but it was Boro who broke the deadlock on the half hour mark, Lenihan marking his return to the side with a goal when he headed in a superb set-piece delivery from Barlaser.

The hosts had the chance to draw level within five minutes when Joe Grayson picked out Charlie Whelan but the unmarked midfielder headed wide.

Boro almost doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when Sonny Finch showed composure in the box and teed up Alex Gilbert, whose curled effort flashed just wide of the far post.

Gateshead continued to impress and looked the more likely early in the second half, Luke Hannant going close from the right side of the box.

Carrick made nine changes on the hour mark, Rav van den Berg, Riley McGree, Isaiah Jones, Luke Ayling, Aidan Morris, Josh Coburn, Finn Azaz, George McCormick and Law McCabe all introduced.

Azaz, bright from the bench, almost gave Boro some breathing space when he superbly took down a long ball over the top and hit a first-time drive but was denied by home keeper Tiernan Brooks. McGree then saw a shot deflected just over.

FINCH OPPORTUNITY AND ANOTHER CHANCE FOR YOUNGSTER

Finch was handed a deserved start on the back of his bright cameo against Bolton on Saturday, with the teenager coming off the bench to impress and score at Bishop Auckland.

He started on the right side of the attack at Gateshead and once again caught the eye. He was unfortunate early on when he raced away down the right and flashed a low drive across the face of goal. And his fast feet and awareness created the chance for Gilbert late in the opening period.

Finch has a big fan in Carrick, who praises the youngster at every opportunity. And the teenager's versatility is a big plus as well. He's comfortable playing up-front, as a No.10 or, as he showed on Wednesday night, on the flank.

Finch isn't the only Boro youngster enjoying an impressive pre-season.

George McCormick has never made a competitive appearance for Boro's first team but earned a call-up for the Portugal trip earlier this month and has featured in all of the friendlies so far this summer. He replaced Engel at left-back for the final half an hour.

He didn't get off the bench but there was also a first appearance in a matchday squad for Eric Hamelberg, who joined the academy ranks from Fulham last summer.

READ MORE:

TOUGH DECISIONS FAST APPROACHING

Carrick's defensive dilemma just became even more interesting.

Lenihan's return to action is a big boost and bolsters an already extremely strong department.

Not since September last year had Lenihan laced up his boots, the win over Southampton, Boro's first victory last term, proving to be the former Blackburn defender's last outing of the campaign.

Kieran Scott admitted earlier this summer Carrick has a "right problem" when it comes to centre-half selections and we saw why on Wednesday night.

Van den Berg and Clarke are surely favourites to start against Swansea after the way they finished last season, but Lenihan and Dael Fry - who was absent - will be breathing down the neck of the pair.

And as if four wasn't enough, Jonny Howson once again demonstrated that he's an assured pair of hands at the back, playing the first 45 minutes alongside Lenihan in the heart of the defence.

Boro: Glover, Dijksteel (Ayling, 60), Howson (van den Berg, 60), Lenihan (Clark, 45), Engel (McCormick, 60); Hackney (Morris, 60), Barlaser (McCabe, 60); Finch (Jones, 60), Gilbert (Azaz, 60), Burgzorg (McGree, 60), Latte Lath (Coburn, 60)

Attendance: 1319 (845 Boro)