Huddersfield Town 0 Middlesbrough 2: Terriers must be more clinical and more things we learned

David Wagner called the 2-0 defeat to Middlesbrough a "ridiculous" result for Huddersfield Town at the John Smith's Stadium.

Adam Clayton and Emilio Nsue's goals condemned the new manager to a second consecutive defeat , but Town had the vast majority of possession and reduced high-flying Middlesbrough to a mere three shots on goal in the 90 minutes in dreadful weather conditions.

Here are five things we learned from the contest...

Middlesbrough fans summed it up - Town must find a finishing touch

"We've only had two shots," came the gleeful chant from the 3,910 bank of Middlesbrough fans in the South Stand towards the end of the game.

Boro were certainly clinical, and Town have to find that kind of finishing touch if they are to make all that possession they have so far enjoyed under David Wagner count.

So far Sean Scannell's opener at Sheffield Wednesday is the only goal under the German head coach, although Nahki Wells came close against Boro with a free-kick which hit the bar.

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Daniel Ayala is a top defender

In terms of visiting players, Boro goal scorer Adam Clayton was the centre of attention on his return to Town, who sold him for £1.5m in August 2014.

But Spanish centre-back Ayala was recently voted Middlesbrough's best player so far this season by fans in a poll run by the town's Gazette newspaper.

And, along with Greek keeper Dimi Konstantopoulos, he again played a key role as Town were held at bay despite their bossing of possession

Town have a dismal record against Middlesbrough

The Teessiders had suffered just one defeat and claimed nine wins in their last 12 meetings with Town going into the latest contest.

That loss on a foggy night at the John Smith's in March 2013, when late goals by Alan Lee and Danny Ward earned a 2-1 home win.

Rain was the problem this time, but it didn't stop Boro claiming a fourth successive victory in games against Town.

The bookies often get it right

Middlesbrough were 21/20 to collect an 11th win of the season and Town 29/10 to grab a fourth.

The draw - there were three for each side beforehand - was 5/2.

There were times when that even outcome looked possible, but Boro are a strong and well-organised side with promotion very much the aim, and while they are up in second, Town slipped into the relegation places.

Martin Cranie can face Birmingham City

The versatile defender - he again played centre-back - would have been left with a one-match ban had he been booked.

There were yellow cards, but for his teammates Mark Hudson, Tommy Smith and Dean Whitehead.

Because the deadline for a suspension for five cautions has now passed, Cranie can breathe more easily - and look forward to St Andrew's next Saturday.