Ben Liddle scored a stoppage-time penalty to earn Middlesbrough a dramatic 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Premier League 2 Division 2 opening night.
In a first half of few clear-cut chances, Middlesbrough goalkeeper Zach Hemming made an excellent save to deny Cameron Archer.
There was torrential rain at Heritage Park and in the dying moments the hosts won a spot-kick.
Substitute Isaiah Jones was brought down and Liddle beat Viljami Sinisalo from 12 yards.
Middlesbrough go third in the table. Aston Villa, who reached the Division 2 playoff semi-finals last season, are ninth.
See: Boro report | Villa report
Next fixtures
Middlesbrough: 16 August v Stoke (H)
Aston Villa: 19 August v Swansea (A)
