19.11.2017 16:56 h

Leeds ruin Monk's return

Leeds ruined Garry Monk's return to Elland Road with a 2-1 win over their former manager's Middlesbrough side on Sunday.

Monk quit as Leeds boss in May before moving to Middlesbrough and he endured a hostile reception from fans on his first appearance back at Elland Road.

His old team were no more forgiving as Pablo Hernandez and Gianni Alioski struck in either half.

Britt Assombalonga converted a late penalty for Middlesbrough, but Monk's men missed out on a fourth successive Championship victory.

Leeds had lost six of their previous seven league games, including their last three at home, but they turned in a much-improved display to ease the pressure on boss Thomas Christiansen.

Hernandez marked his return to the side with the game's opening goal in the 25th minute.

Alioski's curling cross was headed on by Kalvin Phillips and Hernandez stole in at the far post to turn the ball home.

Leeds doubled their lead in the 55th minute when Hernandez's cross was forced home at the far post by Alioski.

Monk's side were handed a lifeline in controversial fashion by one of the assistant referees, who flagged after spotting Luke Ayling and Daniel Ayala grappling in the area before a corner.

Ayling appeared to have been pulled down by Ayala and after a prolonged consultation referee Keith Stroud awarded the visitors a penalty, which was converted by Assombalonga.

Middlesbrough went close to snatching a point through Ayala's late header, but Monk departed empty-handed.