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
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