Soccer: All White on English League scoresheet

All Whites Tommy Smith pictured here with Winston Reid at the FIFA World Cup. Photo / Brett Phibbs

All Whites defender Tommy Smith scored Ipswich's opening goal in their 3-1 win away over Middlesbrough on the opening day of the English Championship soccer competition yesterday (NZT).

Ipswich manager Roy Keane praised the youngsters in his team for their efforts agains promotion favourites Boro, the club's website said.

Scott McDonald gave Middlesbrough a 1-0 halftime lead before Smith, Tamas Priskin and Jon Stead wrapped up the win.

"Even when we were behind at halftime I felt relaxed," Keane said.

"We had a good energy about us and got stronger as the game went on. I thought we deserved the win."

Smith scored his first goal for the club five minutes into the second spell, his low shot from edge of the box getting a deflection to beat Boro keeper Danny Coyne.

"I had a feeling Tommy might get a goal for us today, though not from a shot, from a header -- he attacks the ball well," Keane said.

- NZPA