"I Can't Believe It" Same Boro Mistakes Anger Karanka

Middlesbrough   0        Brighton   1

                                                                                                              Upson  86

As much as it will hurt Boro fans to say it, this season is now a relegation dog fight rather than the push for promotion many anticipated back in August.

The worrying thing is they are being undone by the same mistakes every week, yesterday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Brighton was the same old story of points that were there for the taking but lost in the dying minutes. Not what you need when you are near the bottom of the table.    

Aitor Karanka left frustrated by Boro's lapses in concentration  

It was another frustrating day for new manager Aitor Karanka who didn’t hide his anger at Boro’s lapses in concentration which is costing them dearly.  

    

 “We had a lot of chances to score and at this moment I can’t believe the situation, it’s always concentration mistakes” said the Spaniard “We can’t give these gifts to our opponents” 

In front of a crowd 13,635, 10,000 less than Karanka’s first home game against Bolton, Boro slumped to their eighth league defeat of the of the season which leaves them a nail biting three points off the relegation zone.

It was a day where Boro’s lack of attacking options were clear for all to see. The hosts created next to nothing before the break; time after time they found themselves in promising positions but lacked numbers in the opposition penalty area, as loose passing made for a scrappy affair.

Although it did improve after the break Boro’s inability to convert their opportunities, was once again punished by the late sucker punch this time in the form of Matthew Upson’s header four minutes from time.

On the balance of play the final outcome was probably harsh on Boro, however their mistakes and leakage of goals are inexcusable. In their last three games they have conceded with less than five minutes remaining, the last two occasions those goals have been from set pieces, as a past defender that will hurt Karanka even more and his anger in more than justified.

The Boro side showed three changes from the team which started the drew 2-2 at Birmingham last weekend, as George Friend returned from injury and was a straight swap for Ben Gibson at left back. Injuries to Kei Kamara and Marvin Emnes gave chances to Jacob Butterfield and Lukas Jutkiewitz while Shay Given kept his place in goal as Jason Steele had an ankle injury.

Jutkiewitz led the line with Albert Adomah and Mustapha Carayol operating the flanks, as Butterfield, Grant Leadbitter and Dean Whitehead made up the midfield in a 4-5-1 formation.

Brighton entered the match in good form, the week before they had beaten, then top of the table Leicester. Their manager Oscar Garcia was only forced to make one chance replacing Gordon Greer with Adam El-Abd in defence.

The visitors spent most of the opening 20 minutes on the front foot and were unlucky not to take the lead when striker Ashley Barnes took advantage of some slack Boro defending however he could only header Craig Conway’s in swinging corner onto Given’s near post.

As the home team Boro’s negativity was extremely frustrating for the fans who were given little to shout about as Brighton continued to pin their hosts back. On the left Conway was causing Rhys Williams plenty of problems, but it was David Lopez who was presented with Brighton’s next chance, however he could only scuff his low shot into Given’s thankful grasp.

Boro finally tested Brighton keeper Peter Brezovan on 25 minutes when Carayol charged down the left before cutting inside and forcing a low fingertip save at the near post. The hosts calved out two more chances before the interval, Butterfield’s shot was straight at Brezoven, then Jutkiewitz failed to capitalise on Friend’s inviting cross as the striker mistimed his jump steering his header off target.

The half time whistle was greeted with a mostly muted reaction some fans applauded some attempted to boo but neither materialised.

Karanka was forced to make a chance before the second half as Jonathan Woodgate made way for Ben Gibson. Whatever the manager said at half time there was definitely a noticeable improvement as Boro advanced 10-15 yards up the pitch and as a consequence seized authority.

Leadbitter tested his range from the edge of the box but fired wide before Carayol spotted Friend’s overlapping run on the left; however there were no red shirts in the opposition box and the full back’s low cross came to nothing.   

Jutkiewitz had lacked support all afternoon but was getting closer; however he still couldn’t find the target as his header sailed over the bar before a shot on the turn proved his last intervention when he was replaced by Curtis Main.

Boro continued to ask questions of the Brighton defence which had been well organised and astute all afternoon. But the fans sensed an opening, Main made an immediate impact as he darted into the Brighton penalty however he lacked support when he got there, then from Leadbitter’s teasing free kick Ayala’s diving header was turned out for a corner.  

Brighton had barely threatened after the break; however they had dug in and claimed their reward four minutes from time when the same old cracks appeared in Boro’s back line.

There was some dispute whether Brighton should have had a corner in the first place nevertheless Boro should have dealt better with Conway’s delivery from the right which was met by a Upson who cannoned his diving header off the ground and into the roof of Given’s net.

Boro threw men forward in hope of salvaging a point but it was too little too late, they can only hope their season doesn’t go the same way.    

 

Player Ratings

Shay Given   6.5- Not a lot to do but commanded his area well when he had to 

Rhys Williams   5- Was given numerous problems by Conway in the first half

Jonathan Woodgate (C)   6- Forced off at half time and replaced by Gibson

Danial Ayala   6.5- Looked solid for most of the afternoon, as Brighton caused little problems after half time

George Friend   6- Struggled defensively in the first half, got forward to better effect after the break

Albert Adomah   5.5- Quiet afternoon, as he struggled to have an impact on the game  

Grant Leadbitter   6- Hard working performance but couldn’t take the game by the scruff of the neck like he has done in the past

Dean Whitehead   6.5- A bit too negative at times but broke up play and showed a good range of passing

Jacob Butterfield   6.5- Most offensive of the 3 central midfielders and tried to make something happen when he received the ball

Mustapha Carayol   6.5- Showed flashes of what he could do on the left, but dipped in and out of the game  

Lukas Jutkiewitz   6- Lack of support upfront which didn’t give him much chance to show his ability  

Subs

Ben Gibson   6.5- Slotted in for Woodgate after half time, wasn’t faced with much   

Curtis Main   6.5- added spark to Boro’s attack late on

Luke Williams- Came on with 2 minutes to go not enough time to give a fair score

 My Boro Man Of The Match: Jacob Butterfield

      

The Karanka Way

It’s fair to say new Boro manager Aitor Karanka has been thrown in at the deep end of the Championship. In Leeds, Bolton and Derby the Spaniard has been faced with three of the leagues in form sides and it doesn’t get any easier with an away trip to Birmingham tomorrow.   

He may have only been in charge for three games but already Karanka's Boro seem to have new aura about them. Having been a defender at Real Madrid Karanka appears to prefer a hard to break down and well organised brand of football to the flamboyant attacking kind.

At Leeds and Derby the Spaniard’s disciplined tactics may have been blown out the window as Boro were reduced to ten men in the first half of both games.

Aitor Karanka in his first match in charge of Boro 

But if Kanranka’s first home game is anything to go by, a slender 1-0 home win over Bolton, it suggested he’s a manager who likes his team to retain possession when possible preventing the opposition form scoring rather than going for goal themselves. That’s easier said than done with a Boro side who have conceded 28 in 18 matches so far this season. Nevertheless they’re proving it’s possible.

Yet Karanka’s new methods could have their consequences, especially if results don’t improve. Despite looking a much sounder defensive unit Boro appear to have lost some of their attacking threat which appealed to the fans.

The offensive pace of attackers Albert Adomah, Mustatpa Carayol, Marvin Emnes and Kei Kamara will mostly be used on the counter attack, with the defence clearly Karanka’s priority.

The supporters may have to be patient and buy into the new system, against Bolton Boro failed to have a shot in open play however if it’s what it takes to finally lift them out of the Championship there won’t be too many complaints.

For the meantime Boro sit 16^th in the league only four points adrift from the relegation zone, as they prepare to face fellow strugglers Birmingham tomorrow.

In the forthcoming months we’ll see if Karanka’s way proves to be the right way, in regards to getting Boro back nearer the top of the Championship. The fans certainly hope so but only time will tell.  

Aitor's Off And Running

Middlesbrough   1          Bolton   0

                                     Leadbitter (Pen)  82

Ten chaotic minutes proved decisive for Aitor Karanka as he celebrated his first home game as Middlesbrough manager with a dramatic victory over Bolton yesterday afternoon.

Boro’s new manager was welcomed by a sea of red “Karanka-chiefs” lighting up the North stand, as he was welcomed with open arms and given a roaring reception by the 23,000 fans at a packed Riverside before kickoff.

The match itself was far from a classic and the new coach will have to make adjustments if his side are to challenge at the top end of the table.  In a match where neither side posed a massive goal threat or managed a shot on target from open play, the contest narrowly came down to a tale of   two contrasting penalties.

Aitor Karanka is welcomed to the Riverside by Boro fans

The first from Grant Leadbitter, eight minutes from time, was neatly tucked away as calm and collectively as any Boro fan could wish for, while Jermaine Beckford’s spot kick minutes later was the complete opposite, as the Bolton striker squandered the chance to equalise skying his effort well over the bar .  

"It was very emotional for me from the moment I signed the contract I had dreamed of the first home game and the greeting I got from our people made it very special” said Karanka after the match “But it nearly turned into a nightmare when Bolton won the penalty so late on in the game. We still need to improve."

Karanka made four changes from the side which was defeated at Leeds in his first game in charge. Jason Steele was suspended which allowed new loan signing Shay Given to make his Boro debut, becoming only the sixth player to represent all three major North East clubs.

In defence Ben Gibson replaced Daniel Ayala at centre back while Rhys Williams came in for Frasier Richardson at right back. Marvin Emnes was the other casualty as he made way for Jacob Butterfield who made up a three man midfield with Grant Leadbitter and Richard Smallwood, Mustapa Carayol and Albert Adomah operated the flanks with Kei Kamara upfront.

Karanka’s introduction on the big screen created an early vibe helped hugely by Boro’s highest home attendance of the season which stood at 23,679.

However, with the crowd ready to explode into life, on the pitch Boro couldn’t light the flame to   ignite them, as lack of clear cut chances made it difficult for the fans to show their support.

Scoring goals hasn’t been a major problem for Boro this season they had already scored 32 in the league before kick off; however they struggled to bring their attackers into the game as Adomah, Carayol and Kamara had to continuously drop deep to try and receive the ball.

The hosts were comfortable in possession but never tested Bolton keeper Andy Lonergan, their best chance fell after 17 minutes when Kamara’s lofted cross into the opposition penalty area was headed away into the path of George Friend, however the full back could only drag his low effort wide.    

At the other end Given faced just as little, however his experience showed as the former Republic Of Ireland keeper commanded his area, keeping his defenders in check.     

In a highly contested midfield battle Grant Leadbitter’s late challenge drew the first yellow card of the game from referee Mark Brown, Leadbitter’s fifth of the season meaning he will miss next week’s visit to Derby.

Before the interval Boro managed to carve out a couple more chances but none were clear cut. Gibson did well to steer his header towards goal however it sailed over the bar, before Butterfield’s full blooded strike was stopped by a committed block from Jay Spearing. It had been a cagey 45 minutes which had been left on a knife edge for either side to grasp.

Bolton entered the match in good form, unbeaten in their last eight having won their last three. After the break they showed glimpses why. Jermaine Beckford twice had the chance to put the visitors in front; however he failed to hit the target on both occasions, rolling his first one wide from inside the area before minutes later sending a right foot volley well over the bar with only Given to beat.    

After an hour Karanka withdrew Carayol to bring on Curtis Main, who made an immediate impact, wriggling away from Spearing’s challenge to fire a left foot shot inches wide re-engaging the fans for a dramatic climax.

Five minutes later Butterfield was replaced by Emnes who also went straight into the thick of the action. 

Boro’s Dutch striker controlled the ball in the Bolton penalty area and spun towards goal but was caught by defender Tim Ream prompting the referee to point towards the spot.

Up stepped Leadbitter, who coolly rolled the ball low to Lonergan’s left sending the Bolton keeper the wrong way with eight minutes to go.

However the contest was far from over seconds later Boro missed the chance to seal the match when Emnes dispossessed Ream and picked out Kamara to his left, instead of going for goal Kamara attempted a square pass to Smallwood at the far post however his attempt trickled out of play.

Boro were nearly made to rue the opportunity three minutes from time, a needless challenge from Williams on Bolton substitute Andre Moritz just inside his own box gave the visitors chance to equalise with a penalty of their own.

Beckford opted to take it but blazed the ball well over the cross bar high into the south stand, letting Boro off the hook and giving Karanka the perfect Riverside debut.

Player Ratings  

Shay Given   7- Brought stability and leadership to the Boro defence on debut

Rhys Williams   6- Gave option going forward, clumsy tackle nearly led to Bolton equaliser

Jonathan Woodgate   7- Solid at the back but not asked too many questions

Ben Gibson   7- Composed on the ball cleared his lines when he had too

George Friend   6.5- Got forward on a few occasions to add attacking presence

Grant Leadbitter   8- Stand out player due to work rate and range of passing, tucked away penalty to win the match

Richard Smallwood   7- Broke up play, overall solid in midfield

Albert Adomah   6- Came to life in closing stages but overall a quiet afternoon

Mustapha Carayol   5.5- Struggled to have an impact on the game on the wing

Jacob Butterfield   6- Struggled to create many chances in advanced midfield role  

Kei Kamara   6.5- Won majority of headers but generally lacked support  

Subs

Curtis Main   6.5- Created a spark when he came on to get the fans going

Marvin Emnes   6.5- Added extra option upfront, winning the decisive penalty  

My Boro Man Of The Match : Grant Leadbitter

Can Karanka Save Boro?

Aitor Karanka will be greeted by a hero’s welcome when he makes his much anticipated appearance at the Riverside tomorrow afternoon, as he embarks on his mission to rescue Boro’s fading season.  

After 16 league games Boro sit 19^th in the Championship table on 16 points, half the points that they had accumulated at this stage last year.

Chairman Steve Gibson with his new manager Aitor Karanka

Dating back to their relegation from the Premier League back in 2008 Boro’s sinking fortunes have forced Chairman and local fan Steve Gibson to adopt a new approach by appointing Boro’s first foreign manager in a bid to return to England’s top flight .

His decision to appoint Karanka as Tony Mowbray’s successor is no questionably a risk, but a calculated one at least. At 40 years of age Karanka has learnt his traits at the very top making 93 appearances for Spanish giants Real Madrid along with two spells at Athletic Bilbao.      

 

His managerial career began in 2008, on the periphery of the Spanish national team; taking charge of the Spain under 16 side for two years embedding the foundations and philosophy of the Spanish game. Now look at them five years down line.

That set Karanka up nicely for a new role back at Madrid as Jose Mourinho’s assistant, a stand out on any CV. With the so called ”special one” Karanka helped guide his former club to a La Liga title and their first Copa Del Rey for eight years while also reaching two Champions League semi-finals.

After three years as Mouirinho’s apprentice, like Steve Clarke and Andre Villas-Boas, Karanka now prepares for a career of his own, but will his apparent class and elegance be enough to hurl Boro back to the targeted Premier League.

Many will view the current season as a diminishing lost cause and that Karanka’s aim will be to rebuild a side ready to compete at the right end of the Championship next campaign.

However Karanka has taken no time at all in stamping his own mark, he may only have been in the job a fortnight but already reports claim the Spaniard has introduced new high intensity training methods and has been working the players harder than ever. Maybe the season isn’t lost after all.

With his new players Karanka looks set to establish a team with a high tempo, determined to close players down and win the ball back quickly. As a former defender Karanka should also be able to sort out some of Boro defensive mishaps which have been a frequent setback this season.

Despite his opening match defeat away at Leeds; Karanka claimed that he was happy with the efforts of the team and ticket sales for his first home game have already passed the 17,500 mark, and the club still hope they can surpass the 22,000 that were present for the 4-0 victory over Doncaster earlier this season.

Karanka’s first game at the Riverside is against a Bolton side who have won their last three away games, while Boro are without a win in their last three, something Karanka will hope to put right tomorrow afternoon. 

One Point Gained, But It Could Have Been Three

Middlesbrough     2           Watford     2   

                                 Adomah  23                                                     Deeney  32

                                  Ayala  90+2                                                    Forestieri  73

It’s a year to the day since Boro recorded that memorable home win over Sheffield Wednesday to briefly move top of the Championship table with promotion in their sights. How times have changed.

Twelve months on Boro only have half the points they had accumulated at this stage last season, as hopes for a top six finish this time around are beginning to fade fast.

Daniel Ayala amends for his earlier mistake with a late equaliser 

In yesterday’s 2-2- draw at home to Watford, Boro once again gave their rendition of the good, the bad and the ugly, salvaging a late point, which could easily have been three.  

Caretaker manager Mark Venus will now wonder whether his brief reign will extend beyond next week’s international break, with Boro’s next game away at Leeds in two weeks time. Yesterday’s stalemate neither hindered nor strengthened his chances of landing the job permanently.

After defeat at Blackburn last time out Venus made three changes, two were enforced as Jonathan Woodgate and Jozsef Varga dropped out with injuries, in came Seb Hines and Mustapha Carayol.

In Woodgate’s absence Kei Kamara wore the captain’s armband for the first time while the other change saw George Friend drop to the bench as he was replaced by Ben Gibson at left back.

A minutes silence took place to remember those who lost their lives in World War 1; its conclusion brought a roaring applause from the 14,000 Boro fans, who were fired up for the afternoon ahead.

However after a quiet opening Boro were caught off guard with ten minutes on the clock, Lewis McGugan slipped a pass through to Marco Faraoni inside the Boro box, but the Watford full back was denied by Jason Steele who fisted the ball away at his near post.

Watford’s attacking duo of Troy Deeney and Fernando Forestieri continued to cause problems, with some threatening runs in behind the Boro back four.

Nevertheless Boro began to find their feet, their biggest menace came in the shape of Albert Adomah whose high cross on sixteen minutes found Kei Kamara in the box, however the forward’s header was blocked by the crowd of Watford defender’s.

With twenty three minutes played Boro strung together a move to produce arguably their best goal of the season so far. A fluent move saw Marvin Emnes combine with Kamara on the edge of the Watford box, Kamara then picked out the advanced figure of Rhys Williams on the right, whose back heal sat perfectly for Adomah to lash the ball past Watford keeper Manual Almunia at his near post.

With the wind in their sails Boro pushed for a second, however they were effortlessly undone eight minutes later. There was a suspicion of offside when Forestieri drifted a pass over the Boro defence towards Deeney; however the linesman’s flag stayed down and with only Steele to beat the Watford striker slotted in his seventh goal of the season.

The almost silent response felt like the life had been sucked out of stadium, some verbal criticism of the linesman followed, however the lack of Boro appeals suggested he got it right. 

Boro reacted but couldn’t edge back in front before the break. Carayol earned a free kick on the cusp of the Watford area, which was nearly put to good use by Grant Leadbitter who forced an unconvincing save from Almunia who punched the ball to safety.

There was still time for one more chance at each end, for the visitors McGugan set up Daniel Pudil in the host’s box however the Czech international flashed his shot wide.

Minutes later Emnes’ delivered a cross from the left, where Kamara did well to steer his acrobatic scissor kick on target, forcing Almunia to scurry and save at his far post.

The second half was a much scrappier affair, where clear cut chances were hard to come by, Richard Smallwood’s speculative volley from the edge of the area flew well over the Watford cross bar, while the visitor’s best opportunity came when Sean Murray broke down the right, however his tame shot was always off target.

Boro claimed for a penalty when Gibson’s header from Leadbitter’s corner appeared to strike the hand of Gabriele Angella however appeals were turned down by referee Paul Tierney.

Forestieri registered the second half’s first shot on target after a neat Watford move, however the Italian’s low effort rolled kindly into Steele’s grasp.

With little to choose between the two sides it became questionable whether something would give. With just over twenty minutes to go Watford manager Gianfranco Zola introduced former Boro loanee Josh McEachran which drew a mixed reception from the home crowd.

With seventeen minutes to go Boro found themselves their own worst enemy as they fell behind to the softest of goals. A mistake from Daniel Ayala, when he failed to make a routine clearance in Boro territory, was pounced upon by Forestieri who stole the ball from the defender before tucking it past the defenceless Steele.

It looked like it was going to be another game which slipped through Boro’s fingers, with twelve minutes to go Venus introduced Jacob Butterfield and Andy Haliday in desperate hope of an equaliser.

Five minutes from time it appeared the chance had gone when Leadbitter’s free kick was nodded back across goal by Ayala in to  Kamara’s path however his header was denied by Almunia at point blank range.

But Boro didn’t give up and were rewarded deep into to injury when Ayala redeemed himself for his earlier error out leaping the defender’s to head home a last ditch goal from Leadbitter’s in swinging corner.

Player Rating  

Jason Steele   6.5- Left defenceless for both goals, made a couple of saves when called upon

Rhys Williams   6.5- Got forward to good effect, caught out a few times at right back  

Daniel Ayala   6- Mixed afternoon, made a critical mistake leading to Watford’s 2^nd, but made amends with last minute equaliser

Seb Hines   5.5- Carrying a slight injury, struggled to get to grips with Watford strikers Deeney and Forestieri

Ben Gibson   6- Got caught out for the first goal at unfamiliar left back position

Albert Adomah   7.5- Boro’s main threat charging down the right, netted his seventh goal of the season after brilliant Boro move

Grant Leadbitter   6.5- Kept battling in scrappy second half, at times a bit too committed though  

Richard Smallwood   6.5- Worked continuously in midfield winning loose ball 

Mustapha Carayol   6- Made some promising runs but struggled to get the better of his full back

Marvin Emnes   7- Posed a threat with energetic runs which created Boro chances    

Kei Kamara   7- Linked up well with midfield, made a good outlet up front     

Subs

Jacob Butterfield   6- Came on with 12 minutes to go, freshened up midfield, as he looked to move the ball forward

Andy Haliday   6- Came on with 12 minutes to go but saw little of the ball on the left wing

George Friend – Replaced Hines with 2 minutes to go as Boro pushed for an equaliser

My Boro Man Of The Match Albert Adomah

What Should The Fans Expect?

Things haven’t been the same at the Riverside since Boro’s relegation from the Premier League five years ago.

 In that time the same fans who watched their club reach the final of the 2006 UFEA Cup have been forced to settle for significantly less, with home attendances almost half as a flourish of promising managers have failed to propel Boro back to England’s top flight.

Will the Boro fans witness a return to the Premier league?

Each Championship season has brought its own promotion optimism, however whether it was former captain Garth Southgate, big spending Gordon Strachan or club legend Tony Mowbray in charge, each campaign has frustratingly peated out, and now after just fourteen games, their fifth year in the second tier threatens to do the same.

Two weeks after Mowbray’s dismissal Chairman Steve Gibson appears no closer to appointing a predecessor. With Boro currently 16^th in the table eight points away the final play-off spot, the Premier League return appears more distant than ever, so is it time for the fans to accept their status for this season at least?

Under Mowbray Boro looked on the brink of promotion two seasons running only for their hopes to be catastrophically dashed at the turn of the year on both occasions.

Even then the fans still viewed Boro as one of England’s big clubs with the third biggest stadium in the Championship, only behind Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday, excellent training facilities and a recent Premier League history.

Gibson has even expressed that at present Boro are a Premier League club in every aspect apart from on the pitch, and that is where the problem lies.

Gone are the parachute payments which last four years after relegation, gone are past Premier League and local heroes like Adam Johnson and David Wheatear, and what we appear to be left with is a mid-table championship side rather than one destined for promotion.

Thanks to Mowbray the new manager will start with the foundations already in place and won’t have to work with an unmanageable wage bill.

However as caretaker boss Mark Venus admitted after this week’s defeat at Blackburn this Boro side “aren’t [yet] good enough for promotion”    

As hard as this is for the loyal fans who have witnessed the great Premier League and European days, and still continue to support their club in some of its darkest hours, maybe this is the time rebuild and start over again.

Yes the long term goal will be a return to the Premier league and a top half finish should still be expected rather than a relegation scrap, but for the foreseeable future promotion seems a distant dream, hopefully a new manager can change that.

The fans will expect the new manager to lead Boro into a promotion battling campaign, why shouldn’t they? However in a new era for the club success may have to come in the long run rather than instantly.  

Its A Job Worth Taking

Middlesbrough   4        Doncaster   0  

                                    Adomah  7  35

                                     Kamara  67

                                     Ayala  82  

After all it’s been through in the recent weeks and months the spirit of Teesside is still burning strong.

Despite the tough times at the Riverside which have led to the sacking of manager, club legend and lifelong Boro fan Tony Mowbray, the fans were still quick to show their love and desire for their town and team on a night where pride, passion and excitement were all rolled into one.

Boro's new formed attack could be a real asset for the new manager

For the first time in a while you could be proud to say you’re from Teesside. Proud to see the banner of the transporter bridge before kickoff, proud to see the Riverside bouncing with over 21,000 inside, but most of all proud to see a demolishing victory.

As a fan no one would have enjoyed last night’s 4-0 triumph over Doncaster more than Mowbray himself, but as a manager he must wonder why the same players didn’t perform like that when he was in the dugout.

Two first half goals from Albert Adomah got the vibrant show started before Kei Kamara and new loan signing Daniel Ayala added their names to the score sheet after the interval.

It was a result which certainly stated a claim for current caretaker boss Mark Venus to take the vacant manager’s job full time, however there may be a few more candidates interested after watching  last night’s performance.

Venus, who has been Mowbray’s assistant at all of his previous jobs, made no hesitation in stamping his own mark on the team making six changes from last week’s embarrassing 3-2 defeat at Barnsley.

In came Rhys Williams, Jonathan Woodgate, Richard Smallwood Mustapha Carayol and Marvin Emnes along with Ayala who signed a 93 day loan deal from Norwich earlier this week.

Seb Hines, George Friend, Jacob Butterfield and Lukas Jutkiewicz all dropped to the bench where they were joined by Curtis Main who has just returned from a loan spell at Shrewsbury. Frazer Richardson and Dean Whitehead were the other casualties as they missed out all together.

There was also an evident change to the Boro system as they set up to play 4-4-2 with Carayol and Adomah operating the wings while Emnes linked up with Kamara as a front two.

Doncaster’s team showed just one change from their defeat at Reading last time out, Richie Wellens was suspended so replaced by Theo Robinson, while in goal Ross Turnbull made his first return to Boro since leaving in 2009.

Following the week’s events it was a nervy but energetic start as the half price ticket offer resulted in an attendance of 21,882, Boro’s highest in the league since Boxing Day.

However it was the visitors who earned themselves the opening chance when a mix up in the Boro defence allowed the ball to fall at the feet of James Coppinger, but with a clear sight of goal his low shot failed to hit the target.

Boro’s attack force showed plenty of promise and with only seven minutes played they had taken the lead.

Kamara received the ball mid way inside his own half before sending a perfectly measured pass over the top of the defence towards Adomah. The Ghanaian international reacted shapely to beat the defenders to the loose ball then with Turnbull slightly off his line, Adomah produced the calmest of finishes looping the ball over the stranded keeper from the edge of the area where it dipped into the net.

The hosts bided their time picking their moments to get forward. On the left Carayol’s direct runs were causing Doncaster all sorts of problems, on sixteen minutes he cut inside on to his favoured right foot; however his low effort was denied by Turnbull who palmed the ball away.

Conditions were made tricky as the rain began to lash down however Boro soaked up the growing Doncaster pressure. The visitor’s only shot on target came in the form of a speculative effort from full back Reece Wabara whose long range shot from the edge of the area flew straight into the gloves of Jason Steele.

It remained a buoyant atmosphere as Boro posed the bigger threat going forward. On 23 minutes Kamara made a powerful leap to connect with Carayol’s cross however he couldn’t steer his header on target.

Minutes later Boro strung together another well worked move, but when Emnes teed off Carayol in the Doncaster penalty area he could only fire over the cross bar.

It took until the 35^th minute but Boro finally doubled their advantage, Carayol once again charged down the left before laying the ball back to Smallwood who had took up the space in midfield, with plenty of time he swung the ball into the box where it was met by the diving header from Adomah which cannoned into the ground before bouncing over Turnbull and into the roof of the net.

Doncaster should have pulled one back on the stroke of half time when captain Rob Jones failed to make contact with the ball from a teasing corner.

However Boro could have been out of sight when Kamara slipped the ball through to Carayol however he was denied by the outstretched Turnbull.

At half time the fans were treated to a performance by last year’s X factor winner James Arthur, who was given a warm reception.

After the break Williams was fortunate he didn’t turn Mark Duffy’s free kick into his own net, as the ball bounced off the Aussie's shin before going for a corner.

Boro gradually clawed back their authority, Ayala’s header had to be cleared off the line by Jones but it wasn’t long before the hosts wrapped up a third.

Leadbitter’s free kick mid way inside the Doncaster half floated towards the far post where Kamara was on hand to tuck the ball past Turnbull sealing the game and sparing a nervy climax.

The visitors missed the chance to salvage a consolation goal when substitute Chris Brown’s header ten minutes from time rebounded off Steele’s far post.

Boro’s fourth was ominous and nearly came when Emnes received the ball from Carayol in the area however the Dutch forward couldn’t beat Turnbull.

The night was completed with eight minutes remaining; an in swinging corner from Leadbitter was powered into the net from Ayala’s header who hustled off the crowd of defenders to mark a debut goal.

After making an admitted “tough decision” to sack his manager, chairman Steve Gibson will hope the man he appoints in the coming weeks can produce more victories like last night.

Whoever gets the job still has plenty of work to do, but one thing’s for sure the role definitely looks a lot more appealing than it did a week ago.  

Player Ratings

Jason Steele   6- Wasn’t required to make any top class saves, still looked a little shaky when dealing with crosses

Ben Gibson   6- Unfamiliar position of left back but coped well

Jonathan Woodgate (C)   7- Took up good positions to snub out Doncaster danger

Daniel Ayala   7.5- Looked comfortable at the back, capped of Boro debut with a powerful headed goal 

Rhys Williams   6- became more adventurous as the game went on, occasionally got caught out of position at right back  

Richard Smallwood   7.5- Worked continuously in midfield, cross picked out Adomah for second goal

Grant Leadbitter   7.5- Kept the midfield ticking through work rate and variety of passing

Mustapha Carayol   7.5- Created plenty of chances with Direct runs at the defence in the first half 

Albert Adomah   8.5- Two well taken goals, never stopped charging forward down the right

Marvin Emnes   8- Found pockets of space in front of the Doncaster defence to cause them plenty of problems

Kei Kamara   7.5- Linked up well with other forwards, continues to look a goal threat

Subs

Players were not on the pitch long enough to give a fair score

Jacob Butterfield- Came on with 8 minutes to go to sure up the midfield

Curtis Main- Made his return for the last few minutes after loan spell at Shrewsbury    

Jozsef Varga- Replaced Adomah in the last minute as the Ghanaian received a standing ovation

My Boro Man Of The Match Albert Adomah

England Power Past Poland To Begin World Cup Countdown

England     2          Poland     0

                                    Rooney  40

                                    Gerrard  87

Raise the banners, cue the optimism, for England have finally qualified for next year’s World Cup.

Can they win it?  It remains unlikely, although this time people are actually admitting it. But at least we’ll be there and have the chance to relive the hope, the drama and the frequent heartbreak; it just wouldn’t be the same without. Who knows they may even surprise us.

Steven Gerrard celebrates the goal which sends England to Brazil 

There were no excuses or what if’s from manager Roy Hodgson and his players last night as they booked their ticket’s to Brazil next Summer with a 2-0 victory over Poland at Wembley, to conclude an up and down qualifying campaign which England finished unbeaten.

Yes it was tense for most of the night; it was always going to be. England needed to win to top group H anything less would result in the unpredictability of a play-off.

They led through Wayne Rooney’s header five minutes before half time. However it wasn’t until the 87^th minute when Captain Steven Gerrard shrugged off two Polish defenders and converted England’s second, that the nation could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Hodgson later described the victory as the “proudest moment” [of his career] that was clear from the beaming smile on his face at the final whistle.

“We knew how important it is to so many people England is a very big football nation. So many people are desperate to see England participate and hopefully do well in a world cup so we knew it was on our shoulder’s to make certain we didn’t disappoint them.” Hodgson said after the match.

The England manager only made two changes from the side that conquered Montenegro on Friday night. One was enforced as Chris Smalling replaced the suspended Kyle Walker at right back, while Frank Lampard dropped to the bench and made way for Michael Carrick.

After a cagey opening the game suddenly sprung into life. England made the first move when Leighton Baines whipped a low cross from the left which required a vital interception from Poland defender Grzegorz Wojtkowiak who prevented the ball entering the heart of the penalty area.

Then it was the visitors turn. From the resulting corner Poland’s most recognised asset, Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski, launched an immediate counter attack. Urged on by the 18,000 Poland fans inside Wembley he charged to the edge of the England box however his tame shot was straight at keeper Joe Hart.

An end to end game must have been turning into an entertaining spectacle, for the neutral at least. England’s new wonder kid Andros Townsend backed up his man of the match performance on Friday night and brought the first save out of Poland and Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczęsny.

However the hosts were left exposed at the back once again with twenty minutes on the clock, Jakub Błaszczykowski’s clever dummy fooled the England defence, the ball fell perfectly at the feet of Lewandowski but with only Hart to beat the Polish number nine dragged his shot hopelessly wide. 

   

England had been let off the hook; however they soon regrouped and dominated the remainder of the half.

Townsend was at it again and nearly opened the scoring when he cut inside from the left before unleashing a spectacular effort which arched towards the goal but cannoned back off the cross bar.

Chances continued to come, Welbeck fired wide after a scramble from a corner, Sturridge then scuffed one past the post from the edge of the box, before Rooney forced Szczęsny back into action.

It could have quite easily turned into one of those agonising nights where England just couldn’t score. However those thoughts were abolished five minutes before the interval, Baines yet again found space on the left, his ominous cross fell perfectly onto the head of Rooney who glanced the ball into the far corner of the net for his 38^th international goal.

England had seized momentum before the break but seconds after half time they nearly handed it back. Błaszczykowski’s low cross from the right picked out Mateusz Klich, who had just come on as a substitute, fortunately for England his shot was blocked by the outstretched leg of Gary Cahill.

At 1-0 the situation was far from comfortable in a nail-biting climax. England came close to folding when a pass over the defence was controlled by Lewandowski however he couldn’t beat the outrushing Hart who made a critical block with his right arm.

A substitution saw Lampard replace Carrick as England looked to put the game out of sight. It was agonising for both Hodgson and the fans, both Rooney and Sturrridge came close but both had efforts impressively saved by Szczęsny.

However with three minutes to go the long road to Brazil was completed in style, Gerrard latched on to a loose ball with only one thing in mind, determined to send his country to the World Cup finals, he brushed aside two Polish defenders before poking the ball past  Szczęsny causing Wembley to erupt.

The countdown for next summer starts now, so let the excitement begin!   

A Home Win At Last

Middlesbrough     4          Yeovil     1

                    Leadbitter  8                                                  Davis  4

                    Adomah  27

                    Butterfield  49 

                     Kamara  74

It may have been a long time coming but Boro finally have their first home win of the season.

In the end the victory was a comfortable and one-sided affair against an at best, average Yeovil side who will be more than happy to retain their Championship status come May.

Grant Leadbitter celebrates Boro's equalizer

Boro were good value for their 4-1 victory and could have easily scored more goals, but in truth so could Yeovil on an afternoon full of open, free flowing football which made for an entertaining spectacle.

Goals from Grant Leadbitter, Albert Adomah, Jacob Butterfield and Kei Kamara ensured Boro finally abolished their eight game winning drought going into next week’s international break allowing some much needed respite for manager Tony Mowbray.     

The Boro boss expressed that his side got what they deserved in the 3 points but admitted that “it wasn't the perfect performance and that the problems are still there in front of my eyes” Not least in the defensive areas.

Mowbray made just one change from the side which was held to a 1-1 draw with Huddersfield on Tuesday night. Marvin Emnes replaced Mustapha Carayol who dropped to the bench following his apology on twitter for his performance last time out.

Empty seats were again clear to see as Boro recorded their two lowest  league attendances at the Riverside back to back. 13,181 was a minor improvement on the 12,793 who were present on Tuesday night, however it’s still miles off the great Premier league and European days five years ago.

Against a Yeovil side who sat second from bottom before kick-off with just five points, the Boro fans expected nothing less than a victory to kick start their sluggish opening to the season.

However things didn’t go to plan as Boro were yet again punished for a defensive mishap which resulted in the opening goal.

Just four minutes were on clock when a Yeovil clearance up field was misjudged by Rhys Williams who allowed the ball to bounce deep inside his own half. Before the Boro captain had time to rethink the situation his mistake had been pounced on by Yeovil’s Liam Davis who latched onto the ball and drove towards the Boro penalty area, before slotting his effort past Jason Steele.

It was the worst possible start to a must win game and the fans made their thoughts clear channeling their frustration towards Mowbray, who was again the victim of individual error that was out of his control.

Boro’s response had to be imminent and they made sure they weren’t behind for long. Four minutes later Albert Adomah retrieved possession mid-way inside the opposition  half, he charged toward Yeovil goal before drifting a cross from the right in to the path of Grant Leadbitter, who cannoned his volley into the ground before it flew into the roof of the net.

More than anything there was a sense of relief around the ground, but Boro didn’t rest on their laurels as they went in search of a second. Kei Kamara was inches away when he met George Friend’s cross, the Sierra Leone international steered his original header onto the crossbar, before he pounced on the rebound but was denied by the post.

After 20 minutes it was obvious to see why Yeovil had lost five games on the bounce, the Glovers defensive frailties were again exploited on 22 minutes when Dean Whitehead threaded a menacing pass towards Friend in the Yeovil penalty area, where the Boro full back was chopped down by Joel Grant; referee Dean Whitestone immediately signalled a penalty.

Leadbitter elected to take it but was denied by an outstanding save from Wayne Hennessy who turned the ball onto his right hand post. However the Yeovil keeper was left helpless when Adomah was quickest to react and followed in the rebound which bounced in to the net.

Boro had another strong penalty appeal turned down when Adomah went for a one-two pass with Kamara in the Yeovil box. Adomah was visibly blocked by Shane Duffy when going for the return however the referee stood by his decision.    

Adomah was running the show as Boro piled on the pressure, with half an hour played, the Ghanaian's quick feet allowed him to dance his way past two Yeovil defenders opposition before he firing a left foot shot over the bar.

Yeovil thought they had an equalizer when Steele could only parry Sam Hoskins’ low shot; Andy Williams converted the rebound only for the linesman’s flag to cut his celebrations short.

Half time was a chance to draw breath from what had been a relentless 45 minutes. For the majority Boro had dominated and could have been out of sight, on the other hand they could have easily been level.

It was crucial for Boro to regain their momentum after the interval and they did it in emphatic style. Four minutes after the restart Emnes cut in field from the left before laying the ball off to Butterfield about 30 yards from goal, the Boro midfielder turned into space before unleashing a darting shot which fizzed low into the bottom right corner and doubling Boro’s advantage.

However their lead should have been slashed back to one minutes later, when careless play from Whitehead saw him dispossessed in middfield allowing Yeovil to break. 

It was two on one in the visitors favour and when Davis squared the ball to Hoskins he looked certain to score however with almost the whole goal to aim at he could only find the post to let Boro off the hook.

Boro did well to take the sting out of an end to end game and hold their advantage. With half an hour to go Mowbray introduced Carayol to replace Emnes who’d had a decent game on his return to the side.

Brimming with confidence after his first goal in a Boro shirt, Butterfield continued to shine winning tackles and driving the team forward from midfield. With twenty minutes to go he almost added Boro’s fourth when another long range effort had to beaten away by Hennessey.

That didn’t matter though as Boro soon moved out of sight on seventy four minutes, Carayol’s in swinging corner was powered into the net by the head of Kamara to seal a much needed three points.

Once more Boro were caught napping at the back, when Yeovil substitute Keiffer Moore was presented with a golden chance from Hoskins’ cross, however with the goal gaping Moore released a contender for miss of the season from two yards out.

That concluded Boro’s first home win this campaign, next up for Mowbray is an away trip to Barnsley after the international break. Their next home game is on the 25th of October against Doncaster, when the club will hope reduced tickets prices will lure fans back to the Riverside.

Player Ratings

Jason Steele   5.5- Not overly worked, but again looked unconvincing when coming for crosses

George Friend   7- Played key role in Boro’s attack got forward to good effect and won the penalty

Rhys Williams (C)   5.5- Mistake led to first goal and looked shaky all afternoon

Ben Gibson   7- Only 20 years old but at time was the leader in defence, backed up performance on Tuesday night

Frazer Richardson   6.5- Tried to get forward but didn’t see much of the ball

Dean Whitehead   5.5- Great pass led to penalty, but made a few too many errors which could have been costly

Grant Leadbitter   7.5- Scored equaliser, worked hard all afternoon in midfield

Jacob Butterfield   8- By far his best game in a Boro shirt, always looked to get forward resulting in brilliant goal

Marvin Emnes   6.5- Caused a few problems in and around the Yeovil penalty area  

Albert Adomah   7.5- Ran the show in the first half, faded after half time but still an impressive performance
Kei Kamara   7.5- Linked up well with teammates, looks a goal threat, strong header put the game out of sight

Subs

Mustapha Carayol   6- Added fresh legs with 30 minutes to go, showed flashes of his ability

Jozsef Varga -came on with 10 minutes to go so can’t give a fair score

Justin Hoyte -came on with 10 minutes to go so can’t give a fair score

My Boro Man Of The Match: Jacob Butterfield

Another Chance Missed

Middlesbrough   1       Huddersfield   1   

                         

                       Gibson  79                                           Vaughan  58

No matter how hard they try this season Boro can only continue to find new ways to draw football matches, especially at the Riverside.

After five home games Boro are still winless on their own turf, losing one while the other four have finished all square, hardly the form of a mid-table side let alone playoff contenders.

Ben Gibson celebrates his first Boro goal

In last night 1-1 draw with Huddersfield there were signs and flashes of a team who are beginning to make progress, but in small steps rather than huge strides.  

Boro dominated for large spells of the game mounting up 8 shots on target to Huddersfield’s 1, which inevitability found the back of the net, as Boro’s inability to concentrate for the full ninety minutes was once again exploited.  

The lowest ever league attendance at the Riverside, a mere 12,793 watched the latest chapter in Boro’s chain of frustrating results which after ten games leaves then 19^th in the table, four points from the relegation zone, but more alarming ten points adrift from the final playoff spot.

Following a disheartening defeat away to QPR last weekend Tony Mowbray made two changes from the side which started at Loftus road, captain Rhys Williams replaced the injured Jonathan Woodgate while Mustapha Carayol came in for Jozsef Varga.

The host’s poor form was clear to see and hear in the opening exchanges; at times the Riverside was almost silent, a subdued atmosphere wasn’t helped by the action on the pitch.

Huddersfield came into the game unbeaten in four league games and their confidence was clear to see, as visitors pinned Boro back for a majority of the opening half an hour.

Despite their early pressure the visitor failed to threaten Jason Steele’s goal. It took until the 22^nd minute but Boro finally stuttered into action; Mustapha Carayol made a darting run towards the opposition box where he traded passes with Kei Kamara before testing Huddersfield Alex Smithies who palmed the ball away.

    

Ten minutes later Boro found a new gear all together, Carayol again broke away before firing his effort across goal forcing another save from Smithies.

At this point Boro were in the ascendency and continued to keep Smithies busy, Kamara did well to turn his defender before unleashing a shot on target to warm the gloves of the keeper, minutes later Frazier Richardson’s teasing cross was heading towards the Huddersfield goal and once again triggered Smithies into action.

Half time made an unwelcome interruption to Boro’s progress, after a sluggish start they had created plenty of chances.      

Five minutes after the restart Grant Leadbitter’s long range effort rolled nicely into the Smithies grasp for one of his easier saves of the night.

Huddersfield manager Mark Robins opted to replace Sean Scannel with Danny Ward, with just seven minutes of the second half played, as the visitor’s patiently waited for their opportunity.

It came minutes later when former Boro loanee Adam Hammill drifted a cross from the right into the host’s penalty area; Steele made the mistake of leaving the ball allowing Ward to clatter a close range header against the post. The ball bounced out to Oscar Goburn whose shot was diverted into the Boro net by James Vaughan for the striker’s ninth goal of the season.    

  

With just under half an hour to go a tribute went out to lifelong Boro fan Frankie Bam Bam who recently passed away. A banner was paraded around the ground resulting in applause from both sets of supporters.

In search for an equaliser Mowbray switched to 4-4-2 replacing Carayol and Jacob Butterfield with Lukas Jutkiewitz and Andy Halliday.

The change nearly made an instant impact when Jutkiewitz cut in from the left hand side, his cross sat up nicely for Kamara who had found space in the box however Boro’s deadline day signing steered his header the wrong side of the post.

At the start of the night a draw for Boro would have been extremely disappointing, but a defeat would have been catastrophic. However the hosts spared their blushes with eleven minutes remaining.

An in swinging corner from the left was taken by Leadbitter and cannoned in by a header from Ben Gibson, a well deserved goal for a player making his first league appearance at the Riverside.

 Mowbray replaced Richardson with Justin Hoyte in search of a winner.It almost came six minutes from time. Hoyte’s cross was met by the head of Williams who had made a charging run into the opposition box, only to see his header rebound off the underside of the crossbar.  

Deep into injury time Leadbitter fired the final chance wide, as Boro let another two points slip through the net while adding a further draw to their growing collection.

Mowbray will now turn his attention to Saturday’s home game against Yeovil as the need for three points becomes greater by the day.  

Player Ratings

Jason Steele   5 – Could have prevented the goal, otherwise had a game with little to do  

George Friend   6 – Got forward to good effect down the left but struggled defensively

Ryes Williams (C)   7 – Urged the team forward while looking solid in defence

Ben Gibson   7.5 – Scored vital equaliser while looking comfortable on the ball in defence 

Fraiser Richardson   6.5 – Got forward to good effect and not troubled much defensively

Dean Whitehead   5.5 – Continued to play sideways or backwards passes  

Grant Leadbitter   6.5 – Took on a role further forward threatening at times

Jacob Butterfield   6.5 – Provided energy in the midfield

Albert Adomah   5.5 – Quiet game didn’t see enough of the ball to cause a threat

Mustapha Carayol   6 – Improved as the first half went on causing a few problems for the opposition

Kei Kamara   6.5 – Linked up well testing the keeper on a couple of occasions

Subs

Lukas Jutkiewitz   6.5 – Added extra body up front giving Huddersfield more problems    

Andy Hallidy   5 – Had little impact after coming on with twenty minutes to go

Justin Hoyte   6 – Looked to get forward, cross nearly resulted in the winning goal

My Boro Man Of The Match: Ben Gibson

Jesus Saves Racing Team - On The Up

Jesus Saves Racing team have made a welcome return to world of motorsport after 33 years away.

In 2013 the team, which was first formed in 1967, are back on the grid in the Classic Formula Ford 1600 Championship with new Brazilian driver Adriano Medeiros at the wheel.

With two races remaining in the Championship, their first season back has been a huge success. Medeiros currently sits second in the Championship and still has a chance of clinching the title after an impressive drive at Croft circuit on Saturday afternoon.

New Driver New Era For Jesus Save Racing Team 

Medeiros made the perfect start to the day by qualifying on pole position, an impressive achievement considering the Brazilian hadn’t driven at the circuit since 2008.

In a close fought race lasting 20 minutes, Medeiros eventually finished 2^nd to Callum Grant but remained a contender for the title after Championship leader Mike Gardner failed to finish.

Medeiros said after the race “I enjoyed the race Callum (Grant) is a good driver to race who I am very respectful of.”

It’s a result that moves Medeiros on to 71 points after picking up 12 out of a possible 13 on the day due to his pole position and fastest lap, leaving him just 7 point behind Gardner.

 The team only made the decision to race in January, after not competing since the late 1970’s when Alex Ribeiro, a man who current driver Medeiros takes huge inspiration from, first displayed the Jesus Saves logo while driving for Hesketh, March and Fittipaldi in Formula 1.

Team manager Alvin Davis said he is happy that “the team have been so competitive in their first year revival” and hopes that they can do it all again next year.

After leaving Brazil in 2002 when he was 29 years old Medeiros admits it’s wasn’t easy, as he had to learn a new language and start off as a McDonald’s worker to earn a living.

However the Brazilian followed his dream to one day become a racing driver like other idols Emerson Fittipaldi and Ayrton Senna who Medeiros described as the “greatest driver of all time”

With just one month left until he had to return to Brazil, Medeiros got his lucky break attaining a job as a driving instructor at Palmersport, where he had the opportunity to improve his racing pedigree. 

That was when things started to fall into place for Medeiros, a talented driver who just lacked the funding to compete.

After securing sponsors with two Brazilian companies who had English connections in 2006, Medeiros took his opportunity to race in the RSCC Club Formula Ford Midland South Championship finishing 2^nd.

In 2007 Medeiros switched his attentions to the Britcar UK Championship before successful spells in the Porsche 996 GT Trophy and European Nascar.

Medeiros puts all his success down to God and says his main goal is to spread the word of Jesus through his racing career.  

Medeiros believes that “God made a lot of changes in my life, the best decision I made was to accept Jesus as my saviour.”

The Brazilian hopes to race a further season in the Classic Formula Ford Championship, but admits he would like to return to racing two seater cars at a national level, while still driving with the Jesus Saves logo to promote his faith.