TONY Mowbray walked out into the technical area for the first time and was greeted with applause from all four Riverside Stadium stands. After his battle with bowel cancer, Middlesbrough's fans were as thrilled as West Brom's - and the wider football world - to see the hugely popular Mowbray back in management.

But Hayden Hackney’s first half blockbuster from distance and a fine late second goal from Ben Doak was enough to see off Tony Mowbray’s West Brom on Tuesday night, a first home win in five. It’s nothing that hasn’t been said before, but this must be a start and a springboard for Boro, who are back up to fifth in the table.