Canaries fought hard but left with three points from three games

NORWICH City boss Liam Manning could not hide his frustration following their 2-1 home defeat to Middlesbrough.

- By DOM HOWSON

The visitors established a two-goal lead at halftime after goals from Finn Azaz and Tommy Conway. Things went from bad to worse for the Canaries in the second half when Jacob Wright was sent off for a rash challenge on Aidan Morris.

But the home side kept battling and reduced the deficit in the 85th minute through midfielder Kenny McLean.

It proved too little too late as Boro held on to secure maximum points and inflict a second consecutive home defeat on City.

The defeat means the Canaries have picked up just three points from Manning's opening three Championship matches in charge.

Manning, pictured, said: "Forget about systems and strategy, when you give the ball away cheaply like we did today these sort of things can happen," he said.

"After an even first 15 minutes I thought we controlled the first half and created some good chances.