Leeds United made it two defeats from two games as Middlesbrough left Elland Road with all three points.
It`s the first time since the 1980/81 season that Leeds have started the season with two defeats, ironically the second game coming with a defeat against Middlesbrough.
Middlesbrough won 1-0 thanks to a second half strike from Marvin Emnes in a game that saw three players sent off, two from Leeds.
Tom Lees was making his first start for Leeds and the young defender came close twice in the opening five minutes.
Lees headed wide from a Snodgrass corner and minutes later from the same combination he saw his header well saved by Ikeme.
The first talking point of the afternoon came inside ten minutes when Max Gradel and Middlesbrough`s Tony McMahon were shown yellow cards following a scuffle after a foul by Gradel on McMahon.
Gradel had Leeds next effort when Ikeme saved his shot from the edge of the area.
The same player had a chance minutes later but he lifted his free kick harmlessly over the bar.
Gradel`s afternoon was all over inside 26 minutes when he receives his second yellow card of the afternoon for another foul on Tony McMahon.
Middlesbrough almost take the lead soon afterwards when Leeds keeper Andy Lonergan makes a tremendous reaction save to tip an Emnes header over the bar.
Adam Clayton almost gave Leeds the lead with an audacious effort from just inside the Middlesbrough half that as Ikeme scurrying back to tip his effort over the bar.
Lonergan again makes a good reaction save when he turns Justin Hoyte`s effort onto the crossbar.
Howson earns his first yellow card of the afternoon when he blocks Emnes off as Middlesbrough attempt to make a quick break.
Middlesbrough are reduced to ten men in stoppage time when McMahon is shown a second yellow card for a foul on Howson.
Leeds are looking the better side again in the second half with the sides level on players again.
Tom Lees comes really close to giving Leeds the lead when his looping header is somehow cleared off the line.
Leeds make their first change of the afternoon on 55 minutes when Ramon Nunez replaces Michael Brown.
Leeds are reduced to nine men when Howson is shown a second yellow card for an exact same foul on Emnes to the one he`d received a yellow card for in the first half.
Once again the sending off swings the game in Middlesbrough`s favour and they score the only goal of the game halfway through the second half.
Emnes cuts inside Lees before giving Lonergan no chance with his shot.
Nunez wastes a good chance for Leeds to get back into the game when he fires over the bar after good work from McCormack.
It proves to be McCormack`s last involvement as he is replaced by Lloyd Sam.
With Leeds now leaving gaps at the back as they press for an equaliser, Lonergan is on top form in the Leeds goal with a string of excellent saves.
Simon Grayson pushed Tom Lees into an attacking position for the final five minutes, as Leeds search in vain for an equaliser.
Leeds push forward but never look like threatening the Middlesbrough as the Teesside club held on for the win.
A disappointing defeat for Leeds, their first at home for sixteen games since losing to Cardiff City in October.
The game was spoiled as any sort of a spectacle by a referee who was too quick to flash the cards.
Leeds are quickly back in action with a home game with Hull City on Tuesday night but will have to do without Gradel and Howson who will both serve one match suspensions for their red cards.
Teams
Leeds
Lonergan, Lees, Kisnorbo, Bromby, O`Dea, Snodgrass (Thompson 65), Howson, Gradel, Clayton, Brown (Nunez 56), McCormack (Sam 75)
Subs not used
Rachubka, White
Middlesbrough
Ikeme, Hoyte (Arca 64), McManus, Bates, Bennett, Williams (Hines 90), Bailey, Robson (Martin 65), McDonald, Emnes, McMahon
Subs not used
Smallwood, Kink
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