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Craig Bellamy’s 50th-minute goal sealed victory for Manchester City and heaped more pressure on Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate.

The Welshman found space on the edge of Boro’s area before firing a low left-foot shot into the corner of Brad Jones’s goal from 18-yards out.

But City had keeper Shay Given to thank for their win, with the Irishman denying Afonso Alves on four occasions.

Highlights

But City had keeper Shay Given to thank for their win, with the Irishman denying Afonso Alves on four occasions.

Midfielder Stephen Ireland also headed against the crossbar for the home side.

Southgate’s side remain joint bottom of the Premier League table and it is clear where their troubles lie.

Without a goal in 405 Premier League minutes they have also failed to win in 13 games.

Southgate’s side cannot buy a goal, not through the want of trying it must be said.

THIS SEASON’S REVERSE FIXTURE

Middlesbrough 2-0 Manchester City

29 October 2008 – Ref: Lee Mason
Middlesbrough scorers: Alves 53 pen, O’Neil 90