Boro Back On Track After Cup Win

Middlesbrough    3        Preston    1

                         Tomlin  51,66  Clarke (OG) 57                                      Hugill 54

 

 

There is a time and a place for the romance of England’s cup competitions to weave their magic and produce a memorable giant killing, however for Middlesbrough last night the task was simply to get the job done.

If Saturday’s home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday was the storm which had trampled some of Boro’s early promotion optimism their third round Capital One cup tie with Preston was a case of rebuilding the bridges that had abruptly been knocked down.

Match winner Lee Tomlin celebrates his first goal

After a first half with minimum action, the match was ultimately decided by two moments of magic from Boro forward Lee Tomlin whose second half goals were decisive in a 3-1 victory which leaves Boro in good stead for Saturday’s home clash with Reading.

Manager Aitor Karanka made six changes from the side which started Saturday’s game including a change in goal where Dimi Konstantopulos replaced Tomas Mejias. Seb Hines and home debutant James Husband were included in a new looking back four with Adam Clayton Emilo Nsue and Bradley Fewster also coming in. Grant Leadbitter, Kenneth Omeruo, George Friend and Kike dropped to a strong looking bench.   

"The lads didn't play so well in the first half, and that is normal when you feel like you are better than the other team and you feel a little bit too comfortable on the pitch. The second half was much better. Said the Boro manager after the match”

In a first half with few opportunities the best chances came through Boro winger Nsue, on 16 minutes his cross from the right hand side had to be headed over his own cross bar by Preston defender Tom Clarke who was fortunate to avoid an early own goal.

Eight minutes later Nsue was at it again but after beating his full back he could only flash his shot wide of goalkeeper Jamie Jones’ far post, as both sides appeared content to keep the ball in their own half.

Overall Boro had edged proceedings however they almost fell behind when a visitors cross from the left found the unmarked Will Hayhurst but the Preston midfielders touch was well off allowing Konstantopulos to gather the ball easily.

Five minutes before half time Nsue’s evening was ended when he came off worst in a 50/50 challenge, after being helped off the pitch he was replaced by Adam Reach.

After the break Boro were quick to apply some early pressure and took the lead on 51 minutes, Tomlin was fouled on the edge of the visitor’s box and from the resulting free kick he curled a perfect effort past the stranded Jones.

However Boro’s lead lasted just three minutes when Clarke flicked on a Preston free kick towards striker Jordan Hugill who was on hand to head the ball beyond Konstantopulos.

The action didn’t stop there and a further three minutes later Boro led once again, Adomah received the ball on the left and swept a low cross across the penalty area where the ball deflected off the unfortunate Clarke who could only bundle the ball into his own net.

On 64 minutes came the goal of the night which all but concluded the match as a contest, Tomlin claimed possession just inside the Preston half and suddenly drove at the visitors defence before firing a low shot past Jones from the edge of the area.

There were late chances for Boro striker Fewster who was denied by a last ditch challenge from Clarke and Preston substitute Andy Little who blazed a clear shot at goal over the bar, as neither side added to the score line meaning Boro’s cup run extended to the third round.

Player Ratings    

Dimi Konstantopulos   7- Could do little about the goal, assured when coming for crosses

Damia Abella   7- Comfortable at right back, dealt with danger and moved ball forward well

Daniel Ayala   6.5- Didn’t face much of a test at centre back and offered a threat from set plays

Seb Hines   6.5- Solid performance in the heart of defence  

James Husband    7- A impressive home debut got forward to good effect from left back

Dean Whitehead   6.5- Broke out play well and rarely gave the ball away    

Adam Clayton   7.5- Dominated the midfield spraying the ball across the park

Albert Adomah   6- Had a good 10 minute spell but on the whole had a quiet evening

Emilo Nsue   6.5- Made a strong start but forced off after 40 minutes   

Lee Tomlin   7.5- Produced two match winning moments which proved decisive

Bradley Fewster   6- Struggled to hold the ball up, unlucky with a few chances

Subs
Adam Reach   6.5- Operated well down the left wing after coming on in the first half

Emmanuel Ledesma   6- came on for the last 20 minutes after return from injury

Kike – Came on for last 10 minutes not enough time to give a fair rating

My Boro Man Of The Match : Lee Tomlin