If we needed more proof that the Premiership is an exclusive club, weighted in favour of those who are already in it, this match provided it. Wolves were within twenty minutes of a deserved draw when Danny Mills caused the distraction which gave Middlesborough the opportunity to put an end to Wolves' 4 match unbeaten Premiership run.

Wolves lined up in their black away strip for the first time, a move that had been heralded before-hand. The line-up was much as expected (I already knew that Blake was injured) - except that Gudjonsson was on for Cameron, who injured himself in the warm-up. As anticipated Ince was captain against his former club. The young keeper Ikeme was on the bench because the FA are determined to make Premiership life as awkward as possible for us up-start newcomers, and they refuse to let us get a keeper as emergency cover.

The first real chance of the match fell to Camara, whose skill and speed opened up the 'Boro defence, but whose shooting ability sent his shot wide. It's difficult not to feel frustrated by his obvious talent which frightens Premiership-class defences, but shows an irritating inability to deliver the end product. Hopes that his goal against Leicester would open the floodgates have proved optimistic. And yet he is still our most potent attacking option.

On 20 minutes Nemeth's effort was blocked by Craddock. The subsequent corner was taken by Zenden and Queudrue headed powerfully goalwards but Naylor was well positioned and cleared off the line.

Gudjonsson seemed keen to take the opportunity provided by Cameron's injury to stake a claim for a permanent place in the starting line up. Unfortunately his ability didn't match his eagerness to please, and his (long-range) shoot on sight policy provided some wayward attempts, his worst effort probably coming on 25 minutes.

Wolves were looking pretty comfortable until just before half time when Zenden had two worryingly close attempts on goal. His first was a cross-shot which whizzed across the face of the goal. The second attempt was when his long-range left-footed shot was tipped round the post by Oakes. The subsequent corner was cleared by Irwin.

Half Time Middlesborough 0 Wolves 0

Gudjonsson picked up a booking for a foul on Mendieta and the resulting free-kick saw Zenden's shot comfortably saved by Oakes. At the other end Naylor's free-kick was nodded down by Butler for Iversen to shoot but his shot was blocked by Queudrue. Mendieta headed over from a 'Boro throw in and then Camara headed just wide from a Naylor cross for Wolves.

On the hour mark Kennedy was brought on for Miller and Juninho was brought on for 'Boro. Neither subtition provided a breakthrough but rather with twenty minutes to go it was one of the Middlesborough starting line-up who changed the direction of the game.

Mills won a free kick off Naylor and then proceeded to barge into him spoiling for a fight. With several Wolves players 'distracted' - particularly Ince - Juninho played a short ball to Mendietta whose long-range shot was too much for Oakes. The whole move couldn't have worked better if it had been practised on the training ground - it was like a magician's trick of distracting your eyes by dropping something with one hand while pulling a card out of his sleeve with the other. DJ later claimed that the players had been trying stop a fight developing between Naylor and Mills, but in any case for the ref to let 'Boro take the free-kick was a disgraceful decision which determined the outcome of the match. Middlesborough 1 Wolves 0 and a chance for the idiot Mills to taunt Naylor to his face. Didn't Arsenal get fined for that this very week? - But hold on that was against Man Utd, so expect Mills to escape punishment.

Wolves were rattled and didn't look like they'd get back into the match, their best chance being an Iversen header which Schwarzer saved in the 'Boro goal. 'Boro added a second goal when Zenden cross ran into the Wolves box, pulling back a cross for Juninho to drive in a low shot from the centre of the goal. Middlesborough 2 Wolves 0 and no way back for Wolves.

To top a depressing day Rae was sent off for a stupid, reckless challenge on the man without the ball. This was with only a couple of minutes to go - as if our injury problems aren't enough. There were apparently some 'afters' in the tunnel at the end of the match and the ref will be sending a report to the FA. With the threat of suspension a possibility (especially if you consider their response to our keeper fiasco) the actual result might be the least damaging thing about this match. I suppose from a 'Boro perspective it's mission accomplished.

Full Time Middlesborough 2 Wolves 0