MIDWEEK ROUND-UP

CHAMPIONSHIP
By John Lyons
NEW Birmingham manager Garry Monk saw reasons for optimism, despite a defeat by his old club Middlesbrough.
Red-hot Boro striker Patrick Bamford scored his seventh goal in four games to ruin Monk’s first game in charge at St Andrews on Tuesday.
The loss meant the Blues remained in the relegation zone, but Monk took heart from his team’s display.
“From a defensive point of we were very, very good,” said the former Swansea and Leeds boss. “I was very pleased with the commitment, the attitude and the pas...