Middlesbrough fell to a 4-1 defeat against Brentford in an entertaining encounter at the Riverside Stadium.

Both sides had chances aplenty but it was the Teessiders' lack of cutting edge which ultimately cost them.

The game got off to the perfect start for the hosts as a Neeskens Kebano corner was whipped into the box and ended up with Ethan Pinnock bundling the ball into his own net.

After that the game settled into something of a rhythm with Brentford dominating possession and Middlesbrough looking defensively sound and look to exploit the visitors on the counter.

Yannick Bolasie looked like the Teessiders' most dangerous player in the early stages as he worked tirelessly on the left flank and caused plenty of problems with his pace and trickery creating a headache for Henrik Dalsgaard at right back.

Brentford's first real opportunity of the game came after a fine passing move that found Saman Ghoddos who turned Paddy McNair and fired his effort just wide of the mark.

The pressure was building from the visitors as Ghoddos then caused a problem for Marcus Bettinelli with a vicious free-kick, before the breakthrough was made.

Tariq Fosu linked up with Ivan Toney to draw the game level, however the goal wasn't without controversy with the Middlesbrough bench appealing for offside against the Bees' midfielder - however it wasn't given.

Middlesbrough could have restored their lead immediately after though as David Raya parried an effort from Britt Assombalonga however the followup from George Saville was scuffed and ultimately seen wide.

The second half almost saw Warnock's side restore their lead again when Darnell Fisher's ball found Assombalonga who should have done better before Saville's ball into the area was nearly bundled home by Dalsgaard.

Brentford deservedly took the lead just before the hour mark when Vitaly Janelt picked up the ball on the edge of the area and placed it past Marcus Bettinelli.

Things were made even worse moments later when a Paddy McNair slip saw Mathias Jensen through on goal with the simple task of rounding Bettinelli to make it 3-1.

Middlesbrough had opportunities to get back into the game but a wonderful double stop from Raya kept Saville at bay with a wonderful save.

However it was game over after 80 minutes when Toney converted from close range after some fine work from Rico Henry.

Few could argue with Brentford's potency in front of goal at the Riverside Stadium, but plenty will be asking how Middlesbrough came away with just one goal to their name.

For access to all content, forums and our prediction league register with Fans Network for free HERE

Photo: Action Images

Middlesbrough Polls