Boro Are Back The Main Way

Middlesbrough   1      Leeds 0   

                                                  Main  81

In the absence of Newcastle and Sunderland, Leeds are as close to a rivalry Middlesbrough get these days. Just the sort of game needed to revive Boro from their mid-season slump.

From Neil Warnock’s touch line antics to a referee who proved to be even more unpopular than the Leeds boss at full time, the feisty affair certainly didn’t lack any passion.

Curtis Main celebrates the winning goal  over  rivals Leeds

For eighty-one minutes the result lay on a knife edge, the visitors arguably edging the first half, Boro defiantly dominating the second. Up to that point both sides held regrets. Leeds striker Ross McCormack will have nightmares over not converting a golden chance before the break, while after it Boro pounded the Leeds goal but were unrewarded.

The scene was set, after missing four months of football through injury this was the overdue opportunity for Curtis Main. With nine minutes to go Ishmael Miller’s teasing cross was well met by his fellow striker who looped his header over Leeds keeper Paddy Kenny sending the home supporters ecstatic.

Boro were minutes away from releasing their burden which had followed them through five successive league defeats; however it came with a hint of sourness. In quick succession Main was handed two yellow cards by referee Keith Stroud, to the disgust of the home fans who made their feelings heard.

Tony Mowbray made five changes from the side pitifully beaten by Barnsley on Saturday. Main along with Jonathan Woodgate, Stuart Parnaby, Faris Haroun and Josh McEachran all started the game. While Lukas Jutkiewitz, Emmanuel Ledesma and Nicky Bailey dropped to the bench. Kieron Dyer and Seb Hines missed out completely.  Leeds were unchanged from the side that drew 2-2 with Wolves.

Boro’s switch back to the traditional 4-4-2 formation, created an open match in the early stages. However it was the visitors who threatened to open the scoring, David Norris’ first effort from outside the box whistled past the post; his second from a similar position forced a decent save from keeper Jason Steele.  

With just over 2,000 Leeds fans the whole occasion was poised, ready to explode into life. It was triggered ten minutes in a late challenge from Leeds captain Lee Peltier on Mustapha Carayol which brought a reaction from both players and fans. Peltier was booked for the original challenge along with Andre Bikey who got involved in the aftermath.

A quieter spell followed, as the game settled down but it was the visitors who suddenly calved the games first opening. Rhys Williams was dispossessed in midfield and Leeds abruptly broke toward the Boro goal.

Steve Morrison led the attack before picking out strike partner McCormack in the centre. For the second successive game Steele slipped, leaving the goal gaping surely this was 1-0. However the striker dithered allowing ex-Leeds defender Woodgate to position himself on the line and block the shot.

The next big chance fell Boro’s way,  right on the stroke of half time McEacran threaded a delightful   pass through to the on running Haroun. Leeds keeper Paddy Kenny came rushing out from his goal giving the Belgium midfielder little time, Haroun went for power but Kenny matched it blocking the shot.

Boro began the second half with a higher tempo, looking the team most likely break the dead lock. Leeds did their best to prevent Boro’s intensity; numerous challenges from the visitors went unpunished to the disbelief of Tony Mowbray and the Boro bench.

To make matters worse Carayol was later booked for a minor coming together with a Leeds player the referee was starting to show a lack of consistency, now becoming an unpopular figure to the home fans.

Although a point would have been respectable, Boro were desperate for all three. With twenty minutes to go Grant Leadbitter  placed a dangerous free kick inches past the post, as Boro began to show more intent.

Then came a bombardment towards the Leeds goal, a shot from Leadbitter was parried into a crowded penalty area by Kenny. The loose ball could have ended up anywhere but eventfully found the gloves of the thankful keeper, as he held McEachran’s diving header.

The fans waited anxiously as the game headed towards a frustrating draw. But then came the break through, a strong run from substitute Miller was followed by a curling cross towards Main. At full stretch he jumped well, looping his header over Kenny across the goal, causing a majority of the stadium to erupt. The dejected Leeds fans fell silent.

Just minutes after becoming the hero, Main’s night to remember took an unwelcomed turn. In as many minutes he received two harsh bookings the first for kicking the ball away in frustration, the second for an accidental hand ball. As he left the pitch he received a standing ovation from the home fans, the referee on the other hand was given an echo of boos.

In the dying minutes Boro were forced to hang on, as Leeds threw everything to try and salvage a point. A stunning save from Steele denied Habib Habibou a close range header, but Boro stood firm to record their first win of 2013. What a night to do it.  

Player Ratings

Jason Steele   7- Another clumsy slip in the first half, but recovered to make some crucial saves

George Friend   7.5- A much more solid performance than the weekend, had to adjust to centre back for the last 25 minutes after Woodgate was replaced

Jonathan Woodgate   8- Immense at the back until subbed after 65 minutes, brilliant block on the line keep the scores level in the first half

Andre Bikey   8.5- Stood up to the physical battle of Leeds, strong and firm at the back

Stuart Parnaby   7.5- Very solid performance made a real case to start more regularly

Faris Haroun   6.5- Worked hard and did his bit for the team on the right

Grant Leadbitter   7.5- After a few unconvincing performances tonight he was back near his best with an honest hard working performance

Rhys Williams (C)   7- Started in centre midfield defended well, a bit indecisive in the final third       

Josh McEachran   6.5- At times looked out of sort on the right, has looked better in the centre this season. Quiet at times but had ability to play the killer pass

Mustapha Carayol   7.5- Pace caused a threat upfront and on the wing, but began to tire towards the end

Curtis Main   8.5- Worked his socks off all night and was rewarded with the winning goal, very unfortunate to be send off

Subs

Andy Haliday   6.5- Replaced Woodgate with 25 minutes to go showed plenty of desire crunching tackle of Diouf, brought big applause from the crowed

Ismael Miller   6.5- came on with 15 minutes to play, gave fresh and a different dimension upfront, great cross for the goal

Nicky Bailey- Brought on for the last couple of minutes to see out the game and secure the midfield

My Boro Man Of The Match: Curtis Main  

The Pain Continues

Middlesbrough   2         Barnsley   3

                                Carayol  50   Main  62                           O'Brian  6  Golbourne  69  

                                                                                                             Scotland  76

Winless in 2013 it’s fair to say this isn’t the proudest time to be a Boro fan, a run of five successive league defeats have caused a continuing drift away from the automatic promotion places, a worrying reminder of last season’s disappointment.

The visit of Barnsley didn’t propose much glamour, which was reflected by a crowd barely over 15,000; however the result was vital to stop to the New Year’s rot eating away at Boro’s campaign.

Barnsley sub Jason Scotland celebrates the winning goal

Subsequent to a first half of little excitement, the second provided various ebbs and flows, but ultimately it was to be another afternoon of frustration for Tony Mowbray and the supporters, as the hosts squandered their lead during another lacklustre performance.

After last week’s embarrassment away at Ipswich, the Boro line up showed three changes from the trip to Portman Road. Jonathan Woodgate, Faris Haroun and Marvin Emnes all dropped out.

 Seb Hines and Nicky Bailey replaced them while along with Mustpa Carayol, who made his long awaited return following a four months absence through injury. Barnsley were unchanged from their victory over Blackpool last weekend.

To a stranger the early atmosphere would have told everything about Boro’s current form. There was a cagey nervous atmosphere as the fans were unsure what to expect. Many still hoped for a strong reaction from their team, a rediscovery of the winning formula, but those thoughts were dashed with just six minutes on the clock.

George Friend found himself out of position, as Barnsley’s Jim O’Brian took possession on the right. The winger cut inside attempting a shot, which took a cruel deflection off the outstretched leg of Friend, before looping over Boro keeper Jason Steele who was left stranded.

The tormenting celebrations of the goal scorer in front of the home supporters only rubbed salt in the already painful wounds. The fans belief in their side was sinking lower and lower.

What followed was by no means the greatest spectacle, and it became apparent just how far off the targeted Premier League standards Boro currently are. Carayol’s pace down the left hand side gave some hope of an opening, but the visitors predictably doubled up on the player who looked their only threat.

Boro’s deep line along with Barnsley’s dull but effective tactics, created no real chances of note. Andre Bikey’s 30 yard effort forced the only genuine save from Tykes keeper Luke Steele although his opposite number Jason had been given just as little.

For the first time at the Riverside this season boos welcomed the half time whistle, as the fans made it clear this is not the football they had paid to see.

At half time Mowbray made a bold move in replacing Lukas Jutkiewitz, with twenty year old Curtis Main, another player who has just missed four months of football with injury, the change a like for like switch up front.

Clearly targeted by the Barnsley players Carayol was on the end of some heavy fouls, after the game restarted. But the Gambian’s determination eventfully paid off when Ledesma threaded a teasing ball through the defence. Carayol always had the pace on the final defender and even though his original shot was saved by the keeper the rebound couldn’t be missed.

That sparked some life back into the stadium, as Boro suddenly increased the pace of the game. Twelve minutes later things looked a lot brighter for the home fans and the half time decision looked to have been rewarded.

Hines took possession deep inside the opposition half before a well weighted ball to Williams created a chance. A low cross from the Boro skipper was glanced towards goal by the ever-present Carayol, the parried save from the keeper fell nicely into the path of Main who headed into an empty net and it seemed as if Boro had turned the corner.

However focus would be needed to see the game out something Boro always appear to have a lack of. Six minutes later the work was undone, a long Rory Delap throw deep into the Boro penalty area was half punched away from Steele, but  the ball was bundled back towards goal, no one cleared it, and Scott Golbourne was gifted a simple tap-in to level things up.

If that mistake wasn’t bad enough it was nothing compared to what followed, a back pass from Hines to his goalkeeper was half-heartedly chanced by Chris O’Grady. However the Barnsley player was allowed a chance due to a slip from Jason Steele. The Boro keeper scurried to grab to ball to prevent a goal but in doing so conceded a free kick inside the area for the original back pass.

The Boro players flooded their penalty area in attempt to block the shot; however when the ball was laid off for Jason Scotland his strike only took another deflection, which again flew into the Boro net.

A point would have been disappointing, but now it would have been more than welcomed. Leadbitter’s long range effort had to be firmly turned away from the Barnsley keeper, but when George Friend’s header sailed over the bar in the dying minutes, it was confirmed as another afternoon of frustration.

 In their fight against relegation the celebrations of the Barnsley fans and players at full time told the story.They wanted it more and they got it.   

Player Ratings

Jason Steele   5.5- Has been the most consistent player of the season but after barely anything to do in the first half, a crucial slip lead to Barnsley’s winner

Rhys Williams (C)   5.5- A Centre half who continues to be played at right back when Parnaby is on the bench

Andre Bikey   6- Erratic in defence, tried to run forward but sometimes lost the ball in dangerous areas  

Seb Hines   5.5- Started the move for the second Boro goal, but played Steele into trouble for the third goal      

George Friend   5.5- Got caught out for the first goal, and overall didn’t look the talented player we have seen this season

Emmanuel Ledesma   5.5- Played a great ball to set up the second goal, but was overall a little sloppy with passes

Nicky Bailey   6.5- Broke up the play in midfield but difficult when other midfielders were also sitting so deep  

Grant Leadbitter   5.5- Seemed to continuously pass backwards, not much ambition to get forward

Kieron Dyer   5- Had very little impact on the game on his home debut

Mustapha Carayol   7.5- The only real threat Boro had on his first start for 5 months, The defenders struggled to cope with his pace and he even got on the score sheet  

Lukas Jutkiewitz   5.5- Replaced at half time struggled with little support upfront

Subs

Curtis Main   6.5- Bold substitute but defiantly had a positive effect on the game, looked keen to do well and got on the score sheet.   

My Boro Man Of The Match: Mustapha Carayol

                                                                                                                                      

My Top 10 Summer Signings

With the January transfer window now at an end clubs will hope their new additions will play an important role in their respective league targets. Those aiming for a title or other silverware may only need a minor improvement at this mid-point in the season, while at the other end of the table some face perilous danger of the dreaded drop and quickly need to improve their side.

With the vast amount of money involved in today’s game any move is a gamble, some a lot more than others. In five months we will probably discover whether the transfers of the past month have been a stroke of brilliance or pricey disappointment.

Looking back at the summer window here’s my top 10 of the players I think have made the biggest impact in the Premier League the since their moves in August.

10. Mousa Dembélé              Fulham to Tottenham £15 Million

The energetic midfielder has played a big part in the heart of the Spurs midfield since his London switch from Fulham to Tottenham. In the absence of Scott Parker at the start of the season the Belgium international formed a successful partnership with fellow midfielder Sandro. Despite only scoring one goal (on his debut against Norwich) Dembélé offers creativity going forward along with seeing out his defensive duties.

9. Júlio César                               Inter Milan to QPR

QPR’s wretched season could have been even worse if it wasn’t for the Brazilian shot stopper. In 2009 he was voted the third best keeper in the world, so his move from Italian giants Inter Milan to a much less established premier league side came as something of a shock. His four clean sheets this season haven’t been easy, playing with a side that for most part have looked out of their depth. Despite his high wages he still provides excellent cover between the sticks.

8. Eden Hazard                      Lille to Chelsea £32 Million

This signing was Roman Abramovich’s way of saying that Chelsea can compete with the wealth and recent power of Manchester City. Hazard’s decision to join the London club rather than the Premier league champions was surely down to Chelsea’s champion league triumph last season. His drive to go forward creating and scoring goals have made him a valuable asset for the Blues, and despite his recent trouble with a ball boy (in my opinion he did nothing wrong) Hazard, only 22, has the potential to be a world class player.        

7. Steven Pienaar             Tottenham to Everton £3.5 Million

After two years with little success at Tottenham, Pienaar returned to Everton on a loan last January. An impressive spell and first team football led to a permanent deal in the summer. The South African winger has shown why Everton fans love him. This season his partnership with Leighton Baines on Everton’s left flank have caused many problems for Premier league oppositions, both players keen to drive forward and create opportunities .

6. Romelu Lukaku                 Chelsea to West Brom Loan

At only 19 Lukaku barely got a look in the Chelsea team last season, after a £13 million move to Stanford Bridge in 2011. However following a loan move to the Hawthorns Lukaku has helped West Brom to a successful start, steering well clear of the drop zone. The Belgium striker has netted 9 goals in 21 games for the Baggies due to his pace, power and desire to score goals. A great deal for West Brom.

5. Santi Cazola                     Malaga to Arsenal £15 Million

When Robin Van Persie left to join rivals Manchester United, it looked like Arsenal were no longer a major force, a team who sold their best players. However the signing of Cazola showed there was still ambition in the club, the Spanish international is a perfect fit for Arsène Wenger’s style of football. Along with Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta, Cazola is part of one of the best midfields in the league their quick passing philosophy is very easy on the eye but is it good enough to give Arsenal  a top four finish?

4. Dimitar Berbatov        Manchester United to Fulham £4 Million

Spending most of his time on the Man United subs bench, it’s fair to say Berbatov’s talents were largely wasted last season. But a subsequent to move to Fulham for the 32 year old Bulgarian he has shown what a prolific goal scorer he still is. His work rate can be questioned at times but Berbatov’s clinical finishing has made him Fulham’s clear top scorer with 8 goals in the first half of season.     

3. Christian Benteke                      Genk to Aston Villa £7 Million

At the start of the season I tipped Villa to go down and if it wasn’t for Benteke I think they would have been as good as gone by now. In a young side without much Premier league experience Benteke has found the net 8 times in important situations. His strength and ability to hold the ball up have kept Darren Bent out of the team and although Villa still have a huge fight to stay up Beteke’s goals will give them  a fighting chance.

2. Robin Van Persie                      Arsenal to Manchester United £24 Million

Sir Alex Ferguson was guaranteed a world class goal scorer when he brought out the cheque book to sign Van Persie last summer. His 18 goals from 24 appearances in the league means he is currently the Prem’s leading goal scorer, and providing he stays clear of injury he is likely to stay there. His partnership with Wayne Rooney has surely formed the deadliest strike force in the world. With Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernández on the beach United aren’t exactly short of backup.

1. Michu                                        Rayo Vallecano to Swansea £2 Million

It’s amazing how this striker slipped under the radar of so many clubs, his £2 Million price tag has now more than tripled thanks to 13 goals which makes Michu the league’s fourth highest scorer. In December his late double gave the Swans an astonishing victory over Arsenal at the Emirates. Subsequently he helped earn his side a Wembley cup final in the Capital One scoring against Chelsea in the first leg of the semi-final. The Spaniard has certainly set himself very high standards for the first half of the season, but whether he can continue this form remains to be seen?

Agree or Disagree?

    

Djokovic Denies Murray Down-under

We’ve seen it all before the familiar late night drama and pulsating celebrations of Novak Djokovic who again prevailed to claim yet another Australian Open title under the lights of the Rod Laver Area. 

Like many before him the resilient Djokovic proved a step too far for even the fight and determination of Andy Murray. The pair appear to be the new rivalry at the top of the game, but after Murray took his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open last year, it was the Serb’s turn to reinstate his world number one ranking defending his title in Melbourne with a 6-7 (2-7) 7-6 ( 7-3) 6-3 6-2 victory.

The new rivalry at the top of men's tennis

Both Djokovic and Murray entered the match attempting unprecedented history, Djokovic aiming for his third successive Australian Open while a new-look Murray was bidding to be the first man to win his first Grand Slam titles back to back.

Good friends off the court there was little to hide between two current giants of the game. Mentally it was Djokovic who looked the more irritated early on in the match seemingly feeling the weight of the number one ranking.      

Murray’s triumph over Djokovic at last year’s US Open broke an unwanted duck following four defeats in his previous Slam finals. Reminiscent of their meeting in New York the pair were locked into a first set tie break where it was Murray who held his nerve to claim an advantage.

The second set was equally as tight, and was ultimately the key in the match. Murray was suddenly on top but squandered numerous chances to break, as three break points went begging on the Serb’s opening service game of the set.

Djokovic fought hard to emerge from what could have been a fatal storm, as the second set remained in the balance. Just like his semi-final victory over Rodger Federer, Murray was firing on serve, but couldn’t find a way to break as the set unravelled into another breaker.

Then came the turning point, at 2-2 with the Brit serving a feather blew on to the court disrupting play between Murray’s first and second serve. A double fault followed as Djokovic raced through the remainder of the tie break and suddenly the title looked a long way off for Murray.

The match wasn’t the same after that point, as Murray received a medical time out for a nasty looking blister on his foot. After a short lull in the match at the start of the third the world number one found another gear, increasing the intensity from the back of the court.

  

Murray gave it everything to try and fend off the barrage of pressure being forced upon him but in this form on this court the resistant Serb is near unbeatable. The first break of serve in the match proved another decisive incident in game eight, as Djokovic broke to lead 5-3 before serving to take a 2-1 lead and full authority of the match.

It was clear now that Murray’s body was feeling the strain constant clutches at his hamstring suggested the five set thriller with Federer was starting to take its toll.

But Djokovic was in full flow, overall the more aggressive player throughout the match however now it was paying off as the Murray defence slowly weakened.

After a gruelling 3 hours 40 minutes the title was finally sealed concluding a deserved victory for the current world number one, and despite the occasional struggle at times today and in the fourth round against Stanislas Wawrinka no one could disagree that Djokovic deserves his title and remains the one to beat in the future Slams.   

Djokovic Lays Down The Gauntlet

Andy Murray and Rodger Federer take note, because if you want to win this Australian Open title there is an ominous world number one standing firm in your way.

The power and determination of Novak Djokovic have been more than stretched in this competition, but after his 4^th round thriller with Stanislas Wawrinka where he clutched victory from the jaws of defeat, the Serb’s limits have had no visible bounds.

Djokovic hunting for his 3rd successive Australian Open 

Tomas Berdych and David Ferrer were both sent packing, helpless to Djokovic’s brutality. Ferrer, well respected for his heart and fighting spirit, managed only five games as he was soundly despatched 6-2 6-2 6-1 in a one sided semi-final.

Regularly on the offense Djokovic’s tremendous groundstrokes and sheer ruthlessness didn’t allow Ferrer any sort of foot hold in the match, reminding us of the gap between the so called top four and the chasing pack.

The world number one took seven out of as many break points dropping just seven points on serve "I played incredible tennis, I felt very confident and comfortable from the start” said Djokovic following truly remarkable performance.

His motivation is the chance to become the first man in the open era to win three consecutive titles down under, something not even his great rivals Federer and Rafael Nadal have managed.

His never say die attitude has made him even more daunting for opponents; the 10-8 final set victory over Wawrinka earlier in the tournament has been one of many in recent majors.

Djokovic now has a two day rest before the facing the winner of Murray and Federer in what promises to be a thrilling encounter in tomorrow’s second semi-final.

Murray is aiming to be the first man to back up his maiden Grand Slam victory with a consecutive major  title, while Federer hopes to add a staggering 18^th Slam title to his already outstanding record of achievements .

But as Djokovic leads the way in this incredible tennis era, the message is clear that someone is going to have to produce something special to knock the Serb off his commanding perch.  

Murray Battles Past Berankis

When Andy Murray appointed Ivan Lendl as his new coach a year ago it seemed like a partnership going one of two ways. An instant backlash leaving both parties none the wiser or an extraordinary success story of Murray’s long-awaited maiden Grand Slam.   

There’s no question that after Murray’s triumph at Olympics and US Open that Lendl has been the missing piece in a complex jigsaw. Even away from the court the British number one seems a more upbeat likable character expressing his humour which previously seemed hidden.

Murray comfortably through to the second week 

It remains to be seen if the Scot’s breakthrough year will result in even better things to come but it appears that the calm Czech has unlocked the real Andy Murray and it’s clear to see his achievements have gained him a lot of fans over the last 12 months.

Now we are back at the first slam of the year, the Australian Open, where the Murray Lendl relationship began. The passage through to the first week has been rather straight forward; Robin Haase and Joao Sousa were both dispatched with ease in the opening rounds.

Today came a sterner test, as Murray faced Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis a former US open junior champion. Don’t been fooled by the low ranking of Berankis which has been largely down to injury, for the first time in the in the tournament Murray had a battle on his hands. But even short of his best the Brit produced his best tennis at the key moments securing a place in the last 16 with a 6-3 6-4 7-5 victory.

At the start of the match it was one way traffic, as Murray broke in the second game without really having to force the play. Murray’s ability to pull away from opponents, even when not on top of his game saw him race into a 5-1 lead, as errors flew off Berankis’s racket.

However the Lithuanian showed glimpses of talent and variety of shots to steal a break back but it came too late to rescue the set. Murray still had gears to go through, his serve not as dominant as in the previous rounds nevertheless the set was sealed in 39 minutes.

A much improved Berankis started the second set, his flat hitting troubling Murray who wasn’t dictating as he would have liked. Now it was only the Brit’s serve preventing Berankis from breaking but eventfully the pressure paid-off in the sixth game, when Berankis clinched the break gaining momentum to take a 4-2 lead.

That triggered a reaction from Murray who immediately applied some pressure of his own, taking no time in retrieving the break. Now with a good rhythm on serve Murray levelled the set at 4-4 before taking a second successive break, controlling more of the points and looking more engaged in the match.

After serving out the set Murray landed another blow on Berankis in the third game of set three. Murray was given increasing chances at his opponent’s second serve allowing the Brit to get on top of the rallies and break seizing full authority.

Berankis could have fell away at that point, but the Lithuanian clearly thriving on the occasion dug deep to remain in touching distance. The best tennis of the match followed, as both players serving well, stepped up the court producing an entertaining offensive game.

The gap remained a single break until Murray was forced to serve out the match at 5-4 when a combination of the Brit’s errors and inspired play from Berankis levelled the score causing a possibility of an unpredictable tiebreak.

But Murray again responded defending well wearing down Berankis, snatching back his break advantage. On his second attempt Murray wrapped up the match in a total of 2hours 12 minutes.

Murray later said, “we know each other quite well we practise a lot together he hits the ball very flat which was pretty quick in these conditions.”  Murray will now face either Gilles Simon or Gael Monfils in the last 16.

In the Women’s draw the other British interest Laura Robson wasn’t able to back up her brilliant victory over Petra Kvitova going out to American Sloane Stephens 7-5 6-3.  

Boro Stung By Hornets

Middlesbrough  1     Watford  2    

                                             McDonald  90                                    Vydra  45  83

Defeats have been a rarity for Boro at the Riverside this season, but after early optimism things are yet to take off in 2013 following a disappointing display at the hands of promotion rivals Watford.

Vydra proved the difference between the two sides 

In a game which never looked like producing a host of chances in front of goal, the visitors were quick to pounce on any opportunity as Czech striker Matej Vydra maximised an unusual error from Boro captain Rhys Williams to send Watford in front on the stroke of half time.

The match didn’t really turn the way of Tony Mowbray’s side, as a well set up Watford team, managed by Gianfranco Zola more than stood their ground. As Boro’s desperation for a equaliser grew their opponents landed the killer blow through another neat finish from Vydra meaning Scott McDonald’s late header was only a mere consolation.

After a chance to rest players in last week’s FA cup tie against Hastings, Boro welcomed back Josh McEachran, Faris Haroun, Seb Hines and George Friend who have all been absent through injury. The surprise selection from Mowbray was that Nicky Bailey started at right back even though Stuart Parnaby was fit on the bench.

Watford’s different formation of 3-5-2 seen to throw Boro, as the visitors got plenty of bodies behind the ball proving tough to break down, causing few scoring opportunities at either end.

It became clear that Boro were going to have to produce some quality to open up the opposition. A couple of tricks from Emmanuel Ledesma or a pass from McEachran looked a possible answer but the moves petered out, as the hosts appeared to be lacking in the final third.

Eventfully Boro’s hold on possession started to turn into chances, as McDonald finally tested the ability of Watford keeper Manual Almunia who matched the striker’s low shot.

Soon after came arguably the best chance of the half when Lukas Jutkiewitz played McEachran through on goal , the Boro midfielder looked to have rounded the goalkeeper choosing not to shoot only to be crowded out by the remaining defenders.  

For all their stability at the back Watford had barely entered the Boro penalty area, but that soon changed seconds away from half time. Marco Cassetti’s cross from the right was met by Williams attempting to chest the ball back to his keeper. However in doing so the Boro skipper, who was having a solid game, only gifted the ball into the path of Vydra who tucked the ball past a helpless Jason Steele.

Despite the fan’s frustration at half time Boro had controlled large parts of the match in the first half, but after the break they struggled to regain that grip on the game.

After the restart there was some rare end to end action first Ledesma tested Almunia before Steele was forced to be brave charging out to close down Vydra who was through on goal.

Another stalemate period followed but nearly ended in style when Ledesma cushioned the ball for substitute Adam Reach who smashed a left foot volley inches wide of the post with Almunia at full stretch.

The Watford keeper encountered little to do after that and it was the visitors turn to mount up the pressure, as Steele was forced into a flurry of saves denying Almen Abdi, Cristian Battocchio and Vydra whose shots were all on target.

But the Boro keeper was left helpless seven minutes from time as the hosts pushed for an equaliser Troy Deeney launched a late counter attack slipping the ball through to Vydra who calmly slotted in the bottom right corner, causing many Boro fans to decide that was enough.    

    

Deep into injury time the hosts did pull one back as a perfect cross from Reach on the left was flicked past Almunia at his near post by the head of McDonald but it proved too little too late.  

Mowbray later said that the first goal was key “I think we shot ourselves in the foot with the first goal we conceded” said the manager. Boro’s next game is away at Leicester on Friday evening, as they hope to put right the New Year hangover which cost them last season.

Player Ratings

Jason Steele   7.5- Could do nothing about either goal, kept team in the game at 1-0

George Friend   6.5- Tried to get forward when he could but struggled against deep opposition

Seb Hines   6.5- Solid at the back, missed a couple of headers from corners      

Rhys Williams (C)   6.5- Great game up until goal which proved costly    

Nicky Bailey   6- Strange chose at right back a didn’t look comfortable

Emmanuel Ledesma   6- Looked a threat early on but faded as the game went on

Grant Leadbitter   6.5- Comfortable in the first half but struggled to get a grip of the game after halftime

Faris Haroun   6- Struggled to have a real impact on the game in central role

Josh McEachran   6- Replaced in second half also faded through the game

Scott McDonald   6.5- Persisted on the wing but struggled to be effective

Lukas Jutkiewitz   6- Isolated up front for most of the game

Subs

Adam Reach   6.5- Added a spark to the team on the wing in second half

Ishmael Miller   5.5- Came on for last 20 minutes but didn’t make much of an impact

Merounane Zemmama – Came on with little time remaining tough to get involved  

My Boro Man Of The Match: Jason Steele