A disastrous first-half performance cost Bolton dear, as they crashed to a 3-0 defeat to Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

After holding title-favourites Derby County to a goalless draw last weekend, optimism was high going into Wanderers' first away game of the season. But they were brought back down to earth with a bump, as Diego Fabbrini and a brace from Kike gave Boro what is likely to be one of their most comfortable victories in recent memory.

Bolton were much improved in possession after the break, but still failed to muster a single shot on target as they were given a stark reminder as to how far they have to go before they can be considered anything more than a Championship also-run.

Neil Lennon made three changes to the team that started against Burton Albion on Tuesday, as Prince-Desir Gouano, Jay Spearing and Emile Heskey took the places of Lawrie Wilson, Zach Clough and Gary Madine, all of whom wered amongst the substitutes.

Wanderers were on the bac