Sunday 30 December 2012

Boro's 2012 Send-off


Middlesbrough    4     Blackpool    2
                                      Miller  14                                                Thomas  59 
                                      Smallwood  36                                         Basham  76
                                      McDonald  62
                                      Reach  88


What a way to end the year. A six goal thriller containing drama, controversy and a touch of class, Which turned into an emotional rollercoaster for Middlesbrough and Blackpool fans to conclude 2012.

Momentum continuously changed hands throughout the game, Boro twice looked safe opening up a two goal cushion only for their seaside opponents to both times half the deficit. But the key moment came ten minutes from time when a disputed penalty gave Blackpool the chance to finally draw level.

Reach's goal sealed one of the games of the season
However it was to be Boro’s day after a superb save from keeper Jason Steele denied Thomas Ince from the spot, before substitute Adam Reach sealed the game with a goal worthy of winning any football match.

The high demands of the Championship forced Tony Mowbray to make five changes from the side that beat Blackburn on Boxing Day, Andre Bikey, Josh McEachran, Emmanuel Ledesma and George Friend all picked up knocks while Lukas Jutkiewitz started on the bench.

Rhys Williams returned as captain along with Andy Haliday at left back, Richard Smallwood and Nicky Bailey in midfield and Ishmael Miller upfront.

Boro started far the brighter team imposing themselves on the game from the off,  so much was the hosts dominance that they racked up seven corners in the opening fourteen minutes before one finally came off. Grant Leadbitter delivered a teasing ball from the left, which was met by Miller who glanced his header across goal from close range for a deserved Boro lead.

Despite the goal the hosts continued to apply the pressure controlling midfield not allowing Blackpool a foot hold in the game. The only negative for Mowbray was a further injury concern this time full back Justin Hoyte limped off after twenty minutes to be replaced by Stewart Parnaby.

It wasn’t long before Boro’s authority was again rewarded doubling their lead ten minutes from half time. Emnes received the ball mid-way inside Blackpool’s half before showing great vision to pick out a run from Smallwood. The midfielder still had plenty to do as he drove into the opposition penalty area before firing a left foot shot beyond keeper Matt Gilks in the bottom left corner.

A comfortable position at half time, but it always felt like Boro would need a third to really kill the game. Miller’s cross two minutes after the restart had to be turned over the bar by Gilks, but this half Boro were not to have it all their own way.

The next goal was vital and suddenly what looked a comfortable afternoon for Mowbray and his team was now an uncertain one. With half an hour to go Blackpool worked the ball into Boro’s box, where the hosts failed to make a tackle, before the ball finally fell to Wes Thomas who smashed the ball low past Steele creating a contest.  

But back came Boro just three minutes after conceding, Scott McDonald took position just inside the opposition half and was allowed to run unchallenged before curling his low shot beyond the reach of Gilks to the keepers left.

However Blackpool were not finished with fourteen minutes remaining an in swinging corner wasn’t dealt with by Steele, the Boro keeper couldn’t hold onto the ball pushing it into the path of Chris Basham who was on hand to finish into an unguarded net.

Then came the pivotal moment when Gary Taylor-Fletcher raced away from Jonathan Woodgate who appeared to pull down the Blackpool striker inside the area. The referee closest to the incident waved play on, however the linesman on the far side flagged for a spot kick causing the man in charge to change his mind.

Up stepped  Ince, expected to make a move to Liverpool in the New Year, but this game won’t have increased his value, after his penalty towards the bottom left corner was met by a stunning save from Steele at full stretch welcomed by a roar from the crowd who thought points had eluded them.

After all the drama Boro finally seized the initiative two minutes from time when substitute Adam Reach cut inside of two Blackpool defenders on to his favoured left foot before hitting a brilliant effort from the edge of the area out of the reach of Gilks finding the net off the inside of the post wrapping up an enjoyable match.

Boro’s next game is away to Derby on New Year’s Day. Today’s result keeps them in touching distance of the automatic promotion places following victories for both Cardiff and Hull.

Player Ratings
Jason Steele   8- Partly at fault for the second goal but a great recovery to make brilliant save from the penalty
Andy Haliday   7.5- Dealt well with threat of Ince and got forward when he could
Rhys Williams (C)   7.5- Solid game on first start for 3 months  
Jonathan Woodgate   7.5- Kept Blackpool attacks quiet but a bit carless to concede the penalty
Justin Hoyte - Afternoon cut short after hip injury replaced by Parnaby after 20 minutes
Nicky Bailey   7.5- Deepest of three centre midfielders providing cover for defence
Richard Smallwood   8.5- Showed great link up play, controlling the game in midfield in the first half along with a terrific goal
Grant Leadbitter   8- Set pieces were a threat also helped control the game in midfield
Ishmael Miller   7.5- Posed a threat out on the right always had the beating of the full back
Scott McDonald   8.5- Worked hard for the team in attack and defending and rewarded with a goal
Marvin Emnes   6.5- Had some quiet spells, provided a killer pass to set up second goal
Subs  
Stewart Parnaby   7- Provided a solid replacement for Hoyte
Adam Reach   7- With a point to prove looked a real threat down the right before getting on the score sheet
Lukas Jutkiewitz - Provided fresh legs for the last eight minutes replacing Emnes

My Boro man of the match: Richard Smallwood     

Thursday 27 December 2012

Boxing Day Win In The Bag


Middlesbrough   1     Blackburn   0
                                       Jutkiewitz  68

As 2012 comes to end the belief is starting to grow around a rejuvenated Riverside Stadium, after nine victories out of twelve at home have put the Boro in good stead for promotion push in the New Year.

However one thing sure about the Championship is that there are no easy games. The visit of Blackburn on Boxing Day was by no means comfortable, Henning Berg’s side still possessing pockets of Premier League quality following their relegation last season.

Two goals in successive games for Jutkiewitz 
It always promised to be a tight affair in another game which could have pivoted either way. But fortunately for the 22,882 Boro fans their team were able to provide the perfect Christmas gift, when Lukas Jutkiewitz swept his low shot into the bottom corner with just over twenty minutes to play to claim a significant three points over the busy Christmas period.

Injuries have been a troublesome factor in the first half of the campaign for Tony Mowbray; Seb Hines was the latest casualty picking up a hamstring problem at Leeds last time out. Richard Smallwood dropped to the bench; Andre Bikey and Emmanuel Ledesma were changes from Elland Road. One positive on the injury front was that captain Rhys Williams returned as a sub.       

The eager Boxing Day crowd took their seats however with not even a minute on the clock Boro were lucky not to be trailing, as Blackburn stormed into an attacking position. Fortunately for the home fans a teasing cross was headed onto the inside of the post by Colin Kazim-Richards to sighs of relief.

 Despite the let off the hosts appeared a little sluggish in the opening twenty minutes, giving possession away too easily, as Blackburn controlled the early exchanges.

Nevertheless Boro created chances, sudden breaks from George Friend and Marvin Emnes both concluded with shots departing wide. While Scott McDonald’s volley from the edge of the area had Blackburn keeper Jake Keen scrambling towards his left hand post.

Then it was Blackburn’s turn to pepper the Boro goal, first Kazim-Richards wriggled through the defence only to be denied by the leg of Jason Steele and it wasn’t long before the Boro keeper was again called into action from a more unlikely source.  Blackburn’s Josh King pulled his cross towards the goal  hitting Andre Bikey who had to be saved by the alert Steele to prevent an own goal.

Back came Boro, who hadn’t played the greatest football in the opening forty-five minutes, but were still able to create the half’s best chance. Ledesma’s cross was cleared as far as Lukas Jutkiewitz inside the area, however the strikers tame shot was right at the keeper who made the meal of the save.
Even with the large crowd the Riverside was fairly quiet during the first half. But that soon changed five minutes after the restart, Friend, who always looked a threat on the left, burst through the defence to force a corner before encouraging the fans which was welcomed by a roaring reaction.

Boro appeared to have more of a grip on the game than before, putting more pressure on the Blackburn defence. With just twenty minutes to go the game suddenly opened up, as McDonald broke through the middle, his run was checked but he was able to lay the ball off to Jutkiewitz who worked the chance onto his stronger foot before guiding his shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

The nervous wait then began, as Boro started to sit off with a lead to hang on to. McDonald had the chance to seal it ten minutes from time, but his curling left foot shot was well saved by the finger tips of Keen.

Deep into injury time Blackburn were handed a promising free kick from the edge of the area. Substitute Ruben Rochina stepped up to take it. The original free kick rebounded off the wall coming back to Rochina his venomous volley forced a stunning save from Steele to secure the three points.

Much the same as the Wolves game this was another match where Boro didn’t produce the prettiest of football. But at home a least Mowbray has produced a well organised side, difficult to beat, able to grind out results.

 Player Ratings
Jason Steele   9- Dealt with everything thrown at him kept Boro in the game on numerous occasions at 0-0
George Friend   8.5 - Constantly working up and down the left channel, providing a spark in the team
Jonathan Woodgate (C)   8 - Another high quality performance clearing up danger in defence  
Andre Bikey   6.5 - Was having a solid game but injury forced him off a half time
Justin Hoyte   6 - A bit sloppy in position, struggled to get the ball on the wing
Emmanuel Ledesma   6 - Sometimes caused a threat but had some quiet spells
Grant Leadbitter   6.5 - Hard working as always, but midfield struggled to get a grip on the game in the first half
Josh McEachran   5.5 - Injury forced him off early in the second half, struggled to have an impact on the game
Marvin Emnes   5.5- A passenger for some of the game, as he never really showed his attacking threat
Scott McDonald   7- Another hard working performance, looked more effective when moved to central role
Lukas Jutkiewitz   6.5- Competed in the air all afternoon with limited success, took goal very well which ultimately won the game

Subs
Rhys Williams   7- Back after a lengthy absence replacing Bikey at half time, looked comfortable on the ball dealing with what he had to  
Richard Smallwood   6- Replaced McEachran in second half, tidy on the ball  
Nicky Bailey- On for the last 15 minutes steadied the game securing the midfield

My Boro man of the match: Jason Steele

Sunday 16 December 2012

A Wins A Win


Middlesbrough  2     Wolves  0
                                                  Emnes (Pen) 88
                                                    McDonald  90

A game which won’t be remembered for the most convincing victory of the season, but three vital points against unpredictable Wolverhampton Wanderers meant Tony Mowbray’s Middlesbrough were able to do what promotion rivals Cardiff and Crystal Palace weren’t on Saturday, a win moves them in touching distance of an automatic promotion place.

Emnes celebrates his first goal at the Riverside since Febuary
The nerves grew, as substitute Marvin Emnes stepped up to take what looked a soft penalty for hand ball two minutes from the end. After an extensive wait the Boro fans could finally breathe a sigh of relief, as the spot kick was calmly converted.

After three consecutive home games of discounted prices for the fans, the Riverside appeared a little flat with an attendance of 15,662. However the loyal supporters were given more to shout about when a quick counter attack eventually found Scott McDonald who smashed the ball into the back of the net securing the points.

Boro made five changes from the side which were left heartbroken following a League Cup exit away to Swansea on Wednesday. Jonathan Woodgate returned as captain, as Andre Bikey and Faris Haroun were forced out with hamstring injuries.

 Ishmael Miller partnered Scott McDonald up front, while Josh McEachran, ineligible for the cup game, started on the left, Luke Williams on the right and Richard Smallwood all came in. Lukas Jutkiewitz, Nicky Bailey and Emmanuel Ledesma occupied the bench.  

It didn’t take long for the mind games to begin, after Wolves won the toss and elected to start shooting towards their own fans, meaning Boro wouldn’t be attacking to the North stand in the second half.

Few clear cut chances were created all game, but it was Boro who had the most creativity in the early exchanges. A delightful pass from Seb Hines over the Wolves defence picked out McDonald, who controlled the ball well but could only drag his left foot shot wide of the far post.

Three minutes later the hosts came close again when a teasing ball from McEachran was met by Williams whose low shot was bravely blocked by Wolves keeper Carl Ikeme who had an impressive loan spell at Boro last season.

To Boro’s credit Wolves never really threatened their opponent’s goal in the first half proving difficult to break down in defence. The visitor’s closest effort coming from Bakary Sako’s free kick from the edge of the area which was drilled low into the gloves of Jason Steele.

Six minutes after the restart Boro were presented with another opportunity, when the ball came to Williams in space, however despite being urged to shoot by the fans the striker dribbled the ball wide and was eventfully closed down.

As Boro began to drop deeper down the pitch, the visitors slowly started to increase the pressure. This passage of play caused Mowbray to make multiple changes, introducing Emnes and Ledesma replacing Williams and Miller.

With the match still on a knife edge, the game began to open up, as both goals were briefly threatened. Smallwood’s deflected shot was held by Ikeme before Kevin Doyle’s long range shot was parried away by Steele.  

Then came the moment of controversy, just as the game looked to be heading for a draw McDonald’s cross hit the arm of Wolves captain Karl Hendry. The referee looked to his linesman who flagged for a penalty to the protests of the Wolves players. Emnes was quick to grab the ball and after a lengthy wait the Ducthman coolly tucked the ball in the bottom right corner sending Ikeme the wrong way. 

However the game didn’t end there, as Wolves went all out for the equaliser Boro quickly hit them on the break when Emnes drove forward at defence, outnumbered by attackers, before he picked out McDonald who was clinical in adding his ninth goal of the season from inside the area.

The win keeps Boro third in the table three points off leaders Cardiff who were beaten at home by Peterborough. Tony Mowbray’s side now face an away trip to Leeds next week before a home game on Boxing Day against Blackburn.

Player Ratings
Jason Steele   8- A few tricky shots and crosses in and around the area which were all dealt with well  
Justin Hoyte   6.5- Got forward when he could but rarely used
Jonathan Woodgate (C)   8.5- Showed his Premier league quality read the game excellently
Seb Hines   8.5- Backed up good performance on Wednesday with a dominant display in defence
George Friend   6- A few sloppy passes, didn’t make as much of a impact going forward as usual
Luke Williams   5.5- Didn’t take an opportunity to impress replaced after an hour
Grant Leadbitter   6.5- Worked hard as always but a little bit erratic in midfield, booked for a silly foul
Richard Smallwood   7- Won a lot of loose balls in midfield
Josh McEachran   6.5- Created some good chances early on but faded on the wing as the game progressed
Ishmael Miller   5.5- Continued to drift wide when he was expected to be the target striker
Scott McDonald   7.5- Worked hard after offered few opportunities, but took his chance at the end
Subs
Marvin Emnes   7- Offered a different threat when he came on with a goal and an assist

My Boro man of the match: Jonathan Woodgate


Wednesday 28 November 2012

Back To Winning Ways

Middlesbrough   3    Huddersfield   0
                                McDonald  28  85
                                Ledesma  66


What a difference a couple of days can make, last Saturday brought a flat feeling amongst Boro fans following a shock defeat to Bristol City, but just three nights later a convincing victory over playoff chasing Huddersfield has revived optimism amongst supporters, again hopeful of a promotion campaign .

On a night where the awful weather could have easily turned fans away, the 2 games for 1 ticket offer from the weekend’s game lured another 20,000 plus crowd who were not sent home disappointed.
Another top performance from Ledesma

Despite their dissimilar league positions Huddersfield posed a far weaker threat than that of Bristol on Saturday, as Boro dominated from start to finish. Two goals from Scott McDonald either side of Emmanuel Ledesma’s fantastic free kick capped an enjoyable night for the fans as their side returned to third in the table.

Tony Mowbray made four changes from Saturday’s game including surprise selections Andy Haliday and Richard Smallwood both making their first league starts of the season. McDonald and Nicky Bailey also came in as Marvin Emnes, Ishmael Miller and Stewart Parnaby all dropped to the bench with Grant Leadbitter suspended, however the fresh legs appeared to give the team a lift.

The torrential down pour provided some scrappy periods in the game early on, as Boro tried to give their fans something to shout about in the tough conditions. Haliday’s striving run led to a dangerous free kick, which rippled the side netting when took by Ledesma.

Overall Boro looked more of a unit than on Saturday, as players showed positive gestures to each other and covered for their team mates in an all round better environment.

The stalemate was soon broken as Boro were provided an opening on twenty-eight minutes. Justin Hoyte took advantage of space on the right, as he launched a run towards the opposition penalty area. His path was halted but he still managed to find Lukas Jutkiewitz whose low cross was met by McDonald as the striker squeezed his shot under keeper Alex Smithies.

The hosts could have gone two clear before half time when another Jutkiewitz cross took a wicked deflection off Huddersfield defender Peter Clarke forcing a brilliant save from his keeper who turned the ball onto the bar. No Boro players were even in the box.

As the first half came to a close Boro’s deserved lead was nearly cancelled out after Huddersfield’s Scott Arfield was allowed too much space in midfield, his long range effort was dipping towards the Boro goal, forcing the back tracking Jason Steele to tip it over the bar.

The visitors created a rare opportunity at the start of the second half, only for Lee Novak to fire his shot wide. However it was Jutkiewitz’s name which should have appeared on the score sheet, as he wriggled away from the defence but was indecisive in front of goal as his shot was blocked by Smithies.

The game entered a quiet spell where few chances were created needing a moment of quality, and that’s exactly what it got with 66 minutes played a foul on Ledesma, who was effective all game on the right, brought a promising free kick. From there the Argentine curled his left foot shot over the wall beating Smithies, who could only parry the ball into his own net, sending the crowd ecstatic.

Jutkiewitz was close to adding a third when his powerful header was brilliantly saved by the Smithies at full stretch. But with five minutes remaining Boro were still able to inflict their biggest win at the Riverside this season. Smallwood’s cross from the left was headed down by Jutkiewitz towards McDonald in space who smashed the ball against the ground into the roof of the net.

The win means Boro go third in the table three points off first place Cardiff. With their next game a trip to Birmingham on Friday.

Player Ratings
                                                                                                                   
Jason Steele   7.5– Not much to do, made important save before half time to keep his side 1-0 up
Justin Hoyte   7- His pace was a threat going forward which led to first goal, little to do in defence
Andre Bikey    7- Opposition didn’t cause many problems for the defender
Seb Hines   6.5- Looked a little shaky in recent games, but still played his part to get the clean sheet
Andy Haliday   7- Surprise choice at left back but looked good going forward in a unfamiliar position to him    
Richard Smallwood   7- Provided cover at left back when Haliday went forward, and linked up well in midfield
Josh McEachran   8- Comfortable on the ball, showing quality when the game got scrappy
Nicky Bailey (C)   7.5- Controlled midfield with leadership and tackling   
Emmanuel Ledesma   8- Brilliant free kick gave Boro a two goal cushion, as his crosses and tricks caused problems all game
Scott McDonald    8- Clinical in front of goal, now scored 7 goals in all competitions
Lukas Jutkiewitz   6.5- Good in the air, but a bit indecisive when he had chances to score   


   


Saturday 24 November 2012

Bristol Exploit Boro Blip



Middlesbrough   1       Bristol City   3
                         Miller  35                            Adomah  13
                                                                                            Pearson  62
                                                                                               Davis  88 

A sense of disbelief left the Riverside with the Boro fans today, following an unexpected lacklustre performance against Championship strugglers Bristol City.     

Boro, who were looking to rebound from their defeat to Cardiff last week, looked to have steered back on track when Ismael Miller cancelled out Albert Adomah’s early strike. But in foggy conditions the hosts struggled to produce their best football, as goals from Stephen Pearson and Steven Davies sealed back to back defeats, something almost unthinkable a few weeks ago .

The Boro side showed three changes from their last outing, as George Friend and Faris Haroun were both sidelined with injuries. While joint top scorer Scott McDonald was sacrificed, starting on the bench. Miller, Marvin Emnes and Stewart Parnaby were the trio to replace them.

Adomah was a threat all game
The hosts started the brighter in the opening ten minutes, but it was Bristol who took a shock lead, when Joe Bryan got the better of Parnaby on the left wing before he picked out Adomah inside the area who tucked his shot under the body of keeper Jason Steele.

Boro were creating the better chances, the best one falling to Lukas Jutkiewitz who miss timed his header when he was found in space from Miller’s cross.

But the visitors, especially Adomah, looked a threat on the break all afternoon, however they failed to capitalise on some careless defending when Pearson again had time in the Boro box, failing to hit the target, as he fired his shot over the bar.      

Bristol were later made to regret that chance, as Boro drew level ten minutes from half time. An in swinging corner from Leadbitter wasn't dealt with, before the ball dropped to Miller who added his third goal of the season as Boro looked to push on.

During half time the thick fog closed in providing some difficult conditions for the second half. Both teams struggled to retain the ball in the opening minutes, but then came the moment of controversy. Another corner from Leadbitter took a deflection over the keeper appearing to cross the line, however the officials let play go on to the outburst from the Boro fans towards the north stand. 

The resulting break from City nearly turned the tables when a good move came to Adomah whose shot rebounded off the cross bar, while the Boro players were still appealing to the referee. 

More casual defending from Boro allowed Person to cut inside of defender Seb Hines, before the winger’s low left foot shot beat Steele at the far post to the silence of the home crowd.

Mowbray introduced McDonald and Luke Williams up front to try and find a way back into the game, but frustration only grew as the crowd inflicted their anger at the officials while Emanuel Ledesma and Andre Bikey were both booked for dissent.

Long range efforts from Emnes and substitute Kevin Thompson were the closest Boro came. But the game was sealed two minutes from time when Adomah breezed past Hoyte to find Davis in space who curled the ball past Steele causing the fans to head for the exit.

The result means Boro slip to fourth in the table as they will hope to improve for another home game with Huddersfield on Tuesday.

Struggled to rate any of the Boro players higher than a 6 this week. No one really stood out
I would give man of the match to Albert Adomah

Sunday 18 November 2012

Stepanek Stuns Spain In Davis Cup Thriller


Spain’s depth of world class players in men’s tennis proved not enough to claim a second successive Davis cup, as they were denied by an energetic Czech Republic team in front of their home fans at a deafening O2 area in Prague.

The anticipated final came down to the deciding 5th rubber, where against all odds Czech number two Radek Stepanek produced one of the match’s of his life to see off Spain’s Nicolas Almagro ranked 26 places above him.

Stepanek was the better player on the day
At 33 this was probably going to be one of Stepanek’s last chances to play in such a big occasion, but  the Czech more than rose to it with a 6-4 7-6(0) 4-6 6-3 victory over Almagro and while Czechoslovakia won the title in 1980, this was the Czech Republic's first victory as an independent nation.

At home the Czech’s held a 2-1 lead going in to the final day’s plays but the Spanish were soon level thanks David Ferrer, convincingly beating Tomas Berdych 6-2 6-3 7-5 to force a final match.

 Six year younger Almagro went into the decider as the clear favorite  but nerves were sure to play a significant factor. Despite looking the more likely to clinch the opening break the Spaniard struggled to find his best tennis at the start, as Stepanek continued to approach the net asking questions of his opponent’s passing shots.

Serving first Stepanek always had his nose in front in the first set, while Almagro struggled with his execution making numerous errors. The Czech crowd started to believe in the tenth game when Stepanek’s aggressive returns brought a set point which was taken immediately.

The second set proved pivotal, as Almagro started to play more freely, before steeling a break in the fifth game. However just when the match seemed to be turning Stepanek struck back, as a combination of the Czechs pressure and nervy errors from Almagro helped recover the break leveling at 4-4.

The set headed for a tie break where again Stepanek surprisingly dominated from the baseline, as he raced through the breaker without dropping a point, by far the more focused and relaxed of the two.

With nothing to lose Almagro again loosened up in the third set, reading the Czech’s game better than before playing his best tennis of the match.

Despite chances Stepanek failed to convert any of three break points in the opening game of the set, before Almagro made the breakthrough.

A single break of serve was enough for Almagro to take the third set, but with the crowd still right behind him Stepanek was still in the ascendancy  Back in the match, the pressure again hindered Almagro as Stepanek raced into a 3-0 lead at the start of the fourth.

Interference from the animated crowd frustrated the Spanish camp, but Stepanek always remained calm retaining the break as he converted his second match point to the eruption of noise from the 13,000 Czech fans.

Saturday 10 November 2012

Packed Crowd See Boro Move Top

Middlesbrough  3   Sheffield Wednesday  1

                                   Hoyte  13                                                 Madane  48
                                   Miller  60
                             Jutkiewitz  76
 

“We are top of the league” echoed around the Riverside stadium on a special Friday night for the Middlesbrough players and fans, after Boro catapulted themselves to the top of the Championship table with a 3-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday under an astonishing atmosphere.

Hoyte's goal put Boro in control
The hosts didn’t disappoint in front of a packed crowd of 28,229 lured by half price tickets and an incredible run of form, the highest attendance since May 2009 against Manchester United in their last season in the premier league.

Upbeat the supporters were given early belief after 13 minutes following a rare goal from Justin Hoyte, and although an equaliser from Sheffield’s Garry Madane threatened to spoil the party, Boro were not to be denied when goals from Ishmael Miller and substitute Lukas Jutkiewitz made it nine games unbeaten in all competitions.

Boro’s line up showed five changes from the team that drew with Nottingham Forrest in mid-week with Justin Hoyte, Jonathan Woodgate, Emanuel Ledesma, Ishmael Miller and Marvin Emnes all returning to an attack minded side.

The Riverside was rocking from the start as the ground exploded into life following the minute’s silence for Remembrance Day. Boro tried to impose themselves early on when back to back corners from Grant Leadbitter were unconvincingly dealt with by Wednesday keeper Chris Kirkland.

The visitors began the game with five in midfield as they happily sat behind the ball in the early exchanges. However after some patient play from Tony Mowbray’s side in wasn't long before the deadlock was broken when Ledesma placed a well weighted ball down the right hand side for the on running Hoyte, who fired a stunning effort into the roof of the net to the roar of the crowd.

As the game began to settle few clear cut chances were created, Leadbitter’s free kick forced a firm save from Kirkland while at the other end Boro keeper Jason Steele was more than equal to Jay Bothroyd’s effort from the edge of the area.

Midfielder Josh McEachran has played all but one of Boro’s league games this season and the nineteen year old on loan from Chelsea nearly added his first goal for the club after he cleverly wriggled though the opposition defense but was eventfully squeezed out as the ball was smothered by the keeper.

Wednesday could have gone in level at the break when Miguel Llera slid his attempt inches wide from a corner as he failed to capitalize from the space gifted to him at the far post.

But three minutes into the second half the scores were leveled after the ball was delivered into the Boro box and chested down by Michail Antonio to the goal scorer Madane who finished well, however replays  showed the player two yards offside despite Mowbray’s protests.

Back came Boro twelve minutes later, Ledesma again involved when his smart turn opened up the play before another decisive pass found McDonald who tucked the ball beyond the keeper, only for Miller to steal the glory tapping it over the line.

It was just the lift the fans needed following a spell of trouble for their side, as the immense crowd could again be heard silencing the Wednesday supports whose torments hadn't lasted long.

Boro were spared the agony when Leadbitter, whose deliveries had been a threat all night, delivered an in swinging corner which was met by a perfectly timed run by Jutkiewitz powering his header goal bound sealing the game and three points for Boro.

That allowed the fans to relax in the closing minutes with the Riverside bouncing which has not been the case for a long time, the win moved Boro briefly top of the table before it was retaken by Crystal Palace, but Mowbray’s team now have a week to recover before a tricky trip to Cardiff next Saturday.   

Player Ratings
Jason Steele   7- Reliable when called upon, seems to be having less to do which is a credit to defence
 Justin Hoyte   8- Stunning goal pace was a threat all game as he combined well with Ledesma
Andre Bikey   7.5- Solid at the back winning the headers and loose balls
Jonathan Woodgate (C)   7- Unfortunately forced off at half time looked very reliable showing experience
George Friend   7- Tried to get forward when he could coped well defensively
Emanuel Ledesma   8- Big contribution to first two goals, threat going forward while seeing out defensive duties
Grant Leadbitter   8- Set pieces were dangerous all night controlled a lot of the game in midfield
Josh McEachran   7.5- Moved the ball well enjoyed spells of Boro possession  
Scott McDonald   7- Worked hard more effective in second half when moved more central
Marvin Emnes   6- Looked a little short of match fitness after missing a few games
Ishmael Miller   6.5- Got second goal, and his strength continues to pose a threat 

Subs
Seb Hines 6.5- Replaced Woodgate at half time, assured at the back
Lukas Jutkiewitz   7- Looks back to full fitness after a short time out, scored third which secured the game
Faris Haroun   6- Unlucky not to start Came on with 17 minutes providing fresh legs


 
   

Sunday 28 October 2012

McDonald's Double Delight


Middlesbrough  2       Bolton  1
                                      McDonald  66  84                                      Lee  42

There hasn't always been the greatest atmosphere at the Riverside this season, as the low crowds and view of empty seat have caused real concern amongst Boro fans. However after three wins on the bounce, the Middlesbrough supporters managed to record their highest attendance of the season as they spurred their team to recover from a goal’s deficit against Bolton to make it four wins in a row.

Tony Mowbray’s side were left chasing the game after Chung Yong Lee’s neat finish three minutes before half time left them trailing. But after a second half, which Boro dominated, the stadium was left bouncing, producing an atmosphere similar to the ones of the premier league days as Boro attacked towards the North stand.

McDonald after second goal provided by Ledesma
The win didn't come without its drama though following constant pressure from Boro towards the end, after substitute Scott McDonald had already turned in the rebounded from Ishmael Miller’s for the equatorial  the Australian international found the net again with a powerful header six minutes from time securing Boro’s place alongside the Championship front runners.  

For the first time this season Mowbray kept the same eleven players that started in the victory against Hull in mid–week. With Jonathan Woodgate still absent Grant Leadbitter retained the captain’s armband. Meanwhile Justin Hoyte returned to the bench after a recent hamstring problem.

Bolton have now announced that Dougie Freedman will now take over as their new manager following the departure of Owen Coyle and the players looked keen to impress their new manager from the off.

However it was Boro who should have taken the lead after nine minutes, when first Leadbitter’s long range shot was tipped around the post from Bolton keeper Adam Bogdan. Then came the opening as George Friend delivered a teasing cross into the area to find Miller unmarked, sadly the striker made minimum contact glancing his header wide.

The hosts then suffered a minor blow when Marvin Emnes’ afternoon was cut short as he limped off with twenty minutes on the clock; the Dutchman’s run in the team again halted by injury. On the other hand the introduction of McDonald proved an important change.

Bolton then enjoyed the majority of possession but failed to create any clear cut chances. Meanwhile Boro looked a force on the break creating chances but couldn't find the final pass to unlock the defense whilst Miller’s dipping shot from outside the area flew just over the bar.

Suddenly the Boro fan’s hearts were in their mouths as Eagles tumbled to the floor inside the area to the sound of the referee’s whistle, unexpectedly the man in charged reached into his pocket booking the Bolton winger for diving. The incident meant Eagles then took on the role as pantomime villain receiving continuous boos from the crowd who were now fired up.

Despite the stick Bolton then put their noises in front against the run of play, when a loose ball found its way through to Lee who calmly chipped the ball over Jason Steele giving his side the lead three minutes away from half time.

Bolton should have been out of sight when Boro’s Andre Bikey was caught on the ball just outside his own penalty area before he was dispossessed by Lee but this time the Korean let Boro off the hook missing high over the cross bar with only Steele to beat.

The second half saw Mowbray replace Adam Reach with Emmanuel Ledesma on the right hand side as Boro piled on the pressure committing more men forward attacking toward the roar of the North stand but still missing the final pass.

The attacking spirit did leave chances for Bolton on the break though as Friend was required to make a important slide tackle on the imposing Martin Petrov. After continuous time wasting from the Bolton keeper Bogdan the Boro crowd had more reasons to get right behind their team feeling aggrieved that he wasn’t penalized.  

The breakthrough was finally made after sixty six minutes when Miller’s original shot was saved by Bogdan at full stretch, but was only turned into the path of McDonald who was granted an open net to turn home the rebound.

A Bolton change saw Martin Petrov replaced by Benik Afobe which seemed to take a sting out of their attack as Boro looked the more likely to snatch a winner. McDonald nearly added a second when Josh McEachren’s well weighted ball played in Faris Haroun however his cross was behind the Aussie forward whose best efforts at a header was turned wide.

The introduction of Ledesma had been frustrating at times but with seven minutes left to play the Boro winger would have a big part to play when first his low cross was turned inches wide by Haroun inside the area.

Just a minute later Ledesma was at it again as he received the ball in a similar position before producing the perfect cross for McDonald, unmarked he powered his header past the keeper leading to a roar from the crowd and chants of “we’re going up.”

The win keeps Boro third in the table behind Leicester on goal difference with their next game a trip to Sunderland on Tuesday in the Capital One Cup.

Player Ratings
Jason Steele   7- Not a lot to do but still looks reliable when called upon, not much he could have done about the goal
Stewart Parnaby   7- Another solid performance at right back
Andre Bikey   7- Good overall performance in defence, but big mistake at the end of the first half could have cost Boro the match
Seb Hines   7.5- Kept his place with Woodgate still out, and gave another worthy performance
George Friend    7.5- Showed more of his attacking threat while comfortable at the back
Faris Haroun   6- Pace was sometimes a threat, but a bit slow to react at times
Josh McEachran   7.5- At times his passing opened up the game and Bolton’s defence
Grant Leadbitter   7.5- Can’t question his commitment and hard work in midfield
 Adam Reach   5.5- Replaced at half time struggled the beat players, will have better games
Marvin Emnes   5- Limped off after twenty minutes, hopefully he will have a quick recovery
Ishmael Miller   6.5- Closed defenders down, but his finishing will have to improve to keep his place in the side
Subs
Scott McDonald   8- Replaced Emnes worked hard and got his reward with two goals
Emmanuel Ledesma   6- Frustrating at times but his cross ultimately won the game