Middlesbrough fell to a 1-0 defeat against Blackburn Rovers on a frustrating afternoon at the Riverside Stadium.

It was the visitors who had the first real opportunity of the game when Adam Armstrong fired a fierce volley just wide of Marcus Bettinelli's goal.

A moment of controversy came moments later when Dael Fry was involved in a nasty collision that saw Jarrad Branthwaite catch him in the face with a high boot.

While the collision was clearly not intentional there was little doubt that Blackburn were fortunate to avoid giving away a penalty with Fry being replaced by Nathan Wood.

That decision seemed to spur the home side on as efforts from Britt Assombalonga and Sam Morsy had efforts within the opening 30 minutes.

Middlesbrough then went close to taking the lead when a fizzed effort from Marc Bola found Saville who's touch took the effort wide of the mark.

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Warnock's side came out with a point to prove in the second half and nearly got their reward within a couple of minutes as Marcus Tavernier fired an effort towards the bottom corner only to be denied by the keeper.

Blackburn enjoyed a spell of pressure but it was the Teessiders who had the best chance of the match so far as Jonny Howson's header was well saved before Wood's follow-up effort bounced clear off the post.

But Tony Mowbray's side took the lead after the hour-mark as some uncharacteristically sloppy defending allowed Joe Rothwell to slot home.

Warnock introduced Marvin Johnson and Ashley Fletcher as he looked to find a way back into the game.

Middlesbrough looked to force the issue as the clock ticked down but Blackburn held firm and looked particularly dangerous on the counter attack as Adam Armstrong had numerous chances to wrap the game up.

But for the Teessiders it was an afternoon that would end in frustration as the team, once again, struggled to follow up a crucial win midweek with a victory.

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Photo: Action Images

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