Last updated on .From the section Championship

On-loan midfielder George Saville (left) is set to join Boro for an undisclosed fee in January

Middlesbrough recovered from their first loss of the season to beat Bolton and go second in the Championship.

An emotional night saw the visitors show plenty of spirit in the first game since defender Stephen Darby revealed he has motor neurone disease.

But their resistance was broken when a defensive mix-up allowed George Saville to sidefoot the dominant hosts ahead.

Bolton improved after the break but rarely threatened and substitute Britt Assombalonga sealed victory late on.

The big striker ran through to calmly slot home his third goal of the season deep into stoppage time and finally end the visitors' hopes.

The Trotters had been outclassed in the first period despite a determined performance, a day after 29-year-old full-back Darby announced his retirement.

Darby spoke to the Bolton players at the training ground on Tuesday and manager Phil Parkinson told BBC Radio Manchester external-link the former Bradford player was a "fighter" and "he would want us to put in a performance that reflects what he's about".

But Boro, with Martin Braithwaite and Saville particularly impressive, were by far the more dangerous throughout.

Saville's first Boro goal on his first start with his new side was their first shot on target, although they did have strong claims for penalty for a push on Jordan Hugill waved away.

Saville's 12-yard strike, after Gary O'Neil's sloppy backpass put his defence in trouble, was the first notable chance of a drab opening 34 minutes.

Boro continued to create the better openings with Saville volleying just wide and centre-back Aden Flint having three decent opportunities, the best of which saw him head wide from a corner in the final 10 minutes.

Assombalonga finally wrapped up the points in a win which ensures Boro are still yet to concede a home league goal in four matches this season.

Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis told BBC Radio Tees:

"In the first half we dominated the ball and got in the final third a lot.

"Little breaks didn't got for us, but we still got a great result. They are resolute. They get bodies behind the ball. There is no space to play and they work hard and are a credit to their management team.

"In the final third, there were two occasions where people have shot from unbelievable angles where there is someone to tap it in. Getting your head up and showing a little bit more composure in the final third is what makes this game easier.

"We have to look at those situations and people have to show their quality a little bit more."