Jamie Mackie scored the only goal of the game as Coca-Cola Championship strugglers Plymouth claimed a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough to make sure Gordon Strachan's tenure at the Riverside Stadium got off to the worst possible start.

The Teessiders' miserable home form proved a key factor in the departure of previous manager Gareth Southgate and the Boro support were forced to endure another dismal performance in Strachan's first game in charge.

Boro struggled throughout against a determined Argyle outfit and fell behind 19 minutes into the second half when Jamie Mackie slotted past Brad Jones from 12 yards.

The hosts were given a golden opportunity to level with 10 minutes remaining when Kari Arnason fouled Sean St Ledger in the box, but Adam Johnson drilled the resulting penalty wide.

Victory was no less than Plymouth deserved following a spirited display which belied their lowly league position.