Recently-appointed Bolton Wanderers manager Dougie Freedman watched on from the stands as his new employers took a 1-0 lead into the break over Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

Freedman was confirmed as Owen Coyle's successor earlier this week but not in time to take charge for the trip to Teeside, which is being overseen by caretaker boss Jimmy Phillips.

There were plenty of chances for both sides in an entertaining first period, with Chris Eagles narrowly missing the target with an early 35-yard sighter for Bolton.

Middlesbrough's strike pairing of Marvin Emnes and Ishmael Miller then took turns in attempting to put the hosts in front.

Nottingham Forest loanee Miller firstly headed wide from George Friend's cross before Emnes hammered a left-footed effort off target.

The Dutchman found his radar to test Adam Bogdan with a low drive minutes later, while Miller appeared to have the Trotters stopper beaten with a bending effort that evaded the post by inches.

However, it was the visitors who entered the break ahead after the ball fell kindly for Chung-Yong Lee to calmly dink home for his first goal in an injury-plagued 18-month spell.