Boro handed Ipswich opening

Last updated : 17 June 2010 By Northern Echo

Gordon Strachan's team face an opening month that consists of a trip to Leicester, a home date with Sheffield United and a short trip to Barnsley after taking on Roy Keane's men.

Intriguingly Middlesbrough's first match with Leeds United is at the Riverside Stadium on October 16, which arrives 14 days after Portsmouth, relegated from the Premier League last season, travel to Teesside.

Boro have also been handed a home match on Boxing Day, with promotion contenders Nottingham Forest due to travel north and Strachan returns to Elland Road to face his former club Leeds on New Year's Day.

Middlesbrough's testing trip to Championship newcomers Millwall is on February 19 and Middlesbrough will close the season at the Riverside against Doncaster on May 8.

*** For a full list of the opening day's fixtures for all of the North-East's teams see Friday's The Northern Echo.

Source: Northern Echo

Source: Northern Echo