Final Point Of The Season

Middlesbrough    2     Charlton    2

                                        Emnes  76                                                 Fuller  1

                                        McDonald  87                                           Williams (og)  19

It may not have been the grand finale Middlesbrough fans expected at the end of last year, but at least Boro’s final home appearance this season finished with a battling fight back to slightly ease the pain of a disappointing campaign which once promised so much.

There were no fireworks or celebrations following a jittery 2-2 draw with Charlton, which five months ago looked like the match which could seal a glamorous promotion back to the Premier league.  Instead the afternoon was one of little significance to Boro’s league status next year, as barely 15,000 watched their side bid farewell to the Riverside after another frustrating season.  

McDonald made a big impact after coming on 

The game did provide a valuable opportunity for Tony Mowbray to take a good look at several younger players and some on the fringes of the squad who are likely to remain at the club next season.

Boro showed five changes from the team beaten at Bolton last weekend. Jonathan Woodgate was sent off in that match earning him a suspension; he was replaced by Andre Bikey in defence. Grant Leadbitter returned from his two match ban, while Adam Reach, Curtis Main and Marvin Emnes also came in to the starting line up.

It was no surprise that loan signings Josh McEachran and Sammy Ameobi both dropped out, neither one is expected to be part of next season. Kieron Dyer’s short stay at the club is also unlikely to stretch beyond this year as he made way along with top scorer Scott McDonald who started on the bench.

On a good run of form Charlton had won four of their last six games and still had slim chance of reaching the play-offs, their confidence was clear to see as they abruptly took the lead with less than a minute played.

Not even thirty seconds had past when Boro were caught cold and were handed the worst possible start. A long pass up field from the visitors straight from the kick-off bypassed the whole Boro defence who were sluggish to react to a swift run by Charlton striker Ricardo Fuller. With time in the penalty area Fuller was able to roll the ball across goal where it was smashed into the roof of the net by Bradley Prichard from close range. Some fans were still to take their seats.

The game had began quite open, as  Boro had the chance to equalise immediately when a cross from the right fell at the feet of Mustapha Carayol inside the area, but he could only fire the ball over the visitor’s cross bar.

A bad start to the afternoon suddenly turned worse from a Boro perspective, as they paid the price for another defensive shambles. A free kick mid way inside the Boro half was drifted to the left of the penalty area by Charlton’s Mark Gower. In acres of space Yann Kermorgant hooked the ball back into the area where it hit the unfortunate Rhys Williams turning the ball into his own net to double Charlton’s lead.

It was a match that had the feel of an irrelevant late season game, as Boro’s fans knew their playoff hopes had long been dashed. Their only real threat came from the energetic Carayol who was beating defenders at will giving the home fans something to get excited about.

Boro gradually searched for a way back into the game, first Emnes dragged his low effort wide, minutes later Reach’s powerful attempt was firmly saved by Charlton keeper Ben Hamer. The visitors had the opportunity to stretch their lead further before the break when Kermogant was allowed to advance into the Boro box where he was unlucky not to score, when his curling shot brushed past far post.

In the dying minutes of the half Boro were denied a strong claim for a penalty, when Emnes broke away towards the Charlton goal the Dutch striker was clipped from behind from the recovering defender inside the area but the appeals were turned down by the referee. Protests from the Boro players continued after the half time whistle, but overall it had been another poor half of football and they once again were booed off at the break.

The first ten minutes of the second half showed little signs of a Boro revival, which triggered what turned out to be an inspired substitution from Mowbray. Off came Reach and Main who were replaced by McDonald and Emmanuel Ledesma.

As Boro’s top scorer this season McDonald quickly made an impact, two long range shots within minutes of coming on may have been comfortable for the keeper, however it offered some encouragement to the crowd.

With half an hour to go the two Boro subs combined effectively, when Ledesma floated the ball into the penalty area where McDonald cushioned the ball down for Emnes, however with a clear sight at goal the Dutchman fluffed his left foot effort wide.

With fourteen minutes to go Emnes was given the chance to redeem himself, as the host’s pressure finally told. Leadbitter’s curling cross into the box was met by the outstretched leg of Emnes, the ball appeared to come of the striker’s shin nevertheless it flew into the top corner of the net and it was game on.

At the other end Fuller once again had the ball in the Boro net only for it to be ruled out for offside, and it was Mowbray’s side who had the last word when Carayol’s in swinging corner with three minutes to go was nodded in by McDonald who found himself unmarked in the box to clinch a point and the final goal at the Riverside this season.

After the match Mowbray expressed his disappointment at what has been a painful second half of the season and challenged his team to raise standards next year "We've got to keep way more clean sheets and defend a lot better - we conceded from another set play today, we know the requirements, to build a strong mentality, we recovered and got a point but with total respect to Charlton, who have finished the season strong, In my opinion we should be beating them at home."

Player Ratings

Jason Steele   6- Not overly worked after Charlton’s early goals

Andy Haliday   5- Caught out a couple of times at left back, sometimes showing his inexperience in that position

Rhys Williams   6.5- Recovered after own goal to make some vital interceptions

Andre Bikey   5- Too casual on the ball, losing possession in dangerous areas of the pitch

Justin Hoyte   6- Began to get forward from right back more as the game went on

Adam Reach   6- Showed glimpses of talent but overall quite quiet before taken off in the second half  

Grant Leadbitter   6- Provided assist for second goal, but unusually struggled to win a lot of 50/50 challenges in midfield

Richard Smallwood   5.5- Also struggled to get to grips with the Charlton midfield

Mustapha Carayol   7.5- Caused opposition problems all afternoon with his speedy dribbling on the wing

Curtis Main   5.5- Struggled to have a major impact on the game upfront

Marvin Emnes   6- Showed a couple of signs returning to old form but still a way off the player we saw last season

Subs     

Scott McDonald   7.5- Gave the whole stadium a lift as he changed the game in the second half

Emmanual Ledesma   6.5- Added an extra offensive player to push for goals

Luke Williams- Came on with ten minutes to go not enough time to rate player

My Boro Man Of The Match: Mustapha Carayol   

Carayol Claws Back Some Boro Pride

Middlesbrough    1       Nottingham Forest    0

                             Carayol  42

The season may already be over as far as Boro’s faded play-off hopes are concerned, but for a team who had won just two out seventeen league games the importance of a first win since the beginning of March couldn’t be greater.

Last night’s 1-0 win over rejuvenated play-off contenders Nottingham Forest, thanks to a single goal from Mustapha Carayol, was genuine reminder of the talent Tony Mowbray has at his disposal as arrangements for next year begin to take place.

Mustapha Carayol celebrates putting Boro ahead 

Following an increased amount of criticism Mowbray was as relieved as anybody at the full time whistle, “We thought with a few better decisions we could have scored another goal but we’re happy enough to take the points, Muzzy (Carayol) scored a great goal and had another chance or two to finish the game off, that’s why he’s in our club. We’ve tried to put a system together and Muzzy is part of that,” said the Boro manager after the game.

Mowbray made five changes from the side beaten by Brighton at the weekend, three were forced with Grant Leadbitter serving a suspension for receiving his tenth yellow card of the season on Saturday, while Jonathan Woodgate and Merouane Zemmama both dropped out through injury, Curtis Main and Faris Haroun started on the bench.

A change in formation saw Boro alter to a 4-5-1, with Kieron Dyer returning to partner Richard Smallwood and Josh McEachran in the centre of midfield. Carayol and Sammy Ameobi operated the wings while the other change saw Andre Bikey start in the heart of defence due to Woodgate’s absence.

Forest had occupied a play-off spot before last weekend, but had been subsequently removed following a 3-0 defeat to league leaders Cardiff, which left them outside the top six on goal difference. They were without striker Darius Henderson was was controversially sent off on Saturday, as he was replaced by Billy Sharp.

Despite Boro’s woeful run of form they had started their last few games well and slowly faded as matches went on. Against Forest it was the complete opposite with the visitors making a lively start. After six minutes they threatened to make a break through when an in swinging corner was met by the head of an unmarked Simon Cox, forcing keeper Jason Steele to finger tip the ball over his own cross bar.

Boro had started on the back foot but registered their first effort six minutes later when McDonald latched onto a misplaced pass and worked his way into a shooting position from the edge of the opposition’s box, his curling shot was heading for the net but was well intervened by Forest keeper Karl Darlow, who made a flying save to his right.

The match entered a stage of few chances after that point, but opportunities came in clusters after thirty-five minutes. Boro briefly threatened when Carayol broke clear on the left to send a low cross into the penalty area which contained few Boro shirts to finish the move. From there Forest broke abruptly, as Cox received the ball on the right before curling a cross into Boro’s box where Sharp cannoned his diving header wide.    

The visitors wasted a further chance to go ahead, as defender Elliott Ward nodded the ball over the cross bar from a free kick which lingered around the Boro goal, but it was the hosts who opened the scoring against the run of play.

Boro’s increasingly frustrated fans hadn’t seen a goal at the Riverside since the 2^nd of March, but that soon changed three minutes before half time, when McEachran threaded a direct pass in behind the Forest defence to  release Carayol through on goal. The Boro winger had time to compose himself before coolly rolling the ball beyond the outstretched keeper. It was the perfect time to score giving the whole stadium a lift before half time.

With another sub 14,000 attendance for the evening game, the Riverside remained half empty but the fans who were present were kept entertained by Forest keeper Darlow whose kicking was wild all game.

However his biggest mistake came ten minutes after the restart when dithered to clear the ball and was dispossessed by McDonald. The Boro striker should have doubled the lead but he also took too long with the ball at his feet and scuffed his shot allowing Darlow to make a block. That led to some fun and games for the crowd, now enjoying the occasion, who jeered the keeper every time he touched the ball.  

The second half had sprung into life, as Boro pushed for the killer second goal. Around the hour mark Mowbray made changes which saw McEachran and Ameobi replaced by Nicky Bailey and Haroun. 

Mowbray should have been able to relax in the final few minutes, but he was made to watch his side fail to convert a number of golden chances late on. With seventeen minutes a low drilled cross from Haliday fell perfectly on a plate for McDonald, but Boro’s top scorer miss-kicked the ball halting the attack.

Haroun was given his chance minutes later, after determined play from Smallwood saw him seize possession in midfield. He darted toward the penalty area before teeing up the Belgium player on the edge of the box but Haroun couldn’t hit the target.

That resulted in some tense final minutes not least when Forest’s Radoslaw Majewski lashed a powerful effort from range which flew inches over the bar. However Boro held on to record only their third win since New Year saving them from a potential relegation battle. Unfortunately despite a successful evening the play-offs appear to have floated too far away.

Player Ratings

Jason Steele   6.5- Made some sharp saves but looked a bit shaky when dealing with crosses

Justin Hoyte   6- Not troubled much defensively but not able to get forward as much as he is capable of

Andre Bikey   7- Solid at the back, stayed firm when team needed him too at the end

Rhys Williams (C)   7- Another assured display at centre back, tidying up any loose balls

Andy Haliday   6.5- Got forward and joined in with attacks from left back

Sammy Ameobi   5- Quiet in the first half, and failed to cause many problems after the break

Kieron Dyer   6- Tried his best to keep up with the game which sometimes past him by

Josh McEachran   7- Playmaker of the 3 centre midfielders, provided good assist for the goal

Richard Smallwood   7- Provided energy and a good work rate in the middle of the park

Mustapha Carayol   7.5- Player growing in confidence, got on the score sheet and had the beating of players with his pace

Scott McDonald   5- Good opportunity to get on the score sheet but wasted decent chances

Subs  

Nicky Bailey   5.5- Looked a little short of match fitness after coming on with half an hour to play

Faris Haroun   5.5- Provided fresh legs but wasted good chance towards the end

Adam Reach- Came on in 90^th minute so can’t rate performance

My Boro Man Of The Match: Mustapha Carayol

Will It Ever End?

Middlesbrough     0       Brighton     2

                                                             Orlandi  59  Lopez  75

Another game down, another game added to Boro’s unbearable rot. The season which promised so much at the end of 2012 has catastrophically blown up in some embarrassed red faces.

After missing numerous chances to re-launch their play-off aspirations, Boro’s 2-0 defeat to Brighton will do little damage to a season which has already fallen to pieces. However it provides the long sufferring supporters little motivation to return to the Riverside for the remaining two home games with the looming threat that the woeful form will extend to next season.

Boro's woeful form showing no signs of stopping

Coming under additional criticism each week Tony Mowbray was naturally apologetic towards the restless fans. “Another defeat is hard to take and I have to say it's unacceptable for a team of our stature in the league who were sitting second in the league at New Year to have won two out of 15 or 16 game,” said the Boro boss.”At this moment the end of the season can't come quick enough for us. Let's get these games played and reassess in the summer and decide where we're going."

The result left Boro closer to the relegation zone than the targeted play-offs, as the season draws to a dreary close instead of the grand finale expected in January.

For the visit of Brighton, who sat in the final play-off position before kick-off, Mowbray made four changes from his side’s narrow defeat away to Hull. Curtis Main and top scorer Scott McDonald both came in upfront forming a front two, as Ishmael Miller and Mustapha Carayol dropped to the bench.   

The other changes saw Richard Smallwood and Merouane Zemmama replace Sammy Ameobi and Josh McEachran in midfield. Hopeful of sealing a top six finish Brighton were unbeaten in four games however three of those matches had ended a draw, they were without first choice keeper Tomaasz Kuszczak and Kazenga Lualua for their trip to the Riverside.

With a play-off position in their grasp the visitors attracted a good following from the south coast, buoyant about their promotion chances. On the other hand empty seats were again clear to see around the rest of the Riverside, some fans evidently feeling enough is enough for this season.

Overall the game provided little action in front of goal. Boro started the brighter as Smallwood tested Brighton keeper Casper Ankergren, but the low shot was comfortably held.

Boro shaded possession throughout the first half and arguably played the better football, however they created few opportunities going forward lacking the confidence and a spark to ignite the match.

Two bookings in the space of a minute for Smallwood and Grant Leadbitter briefly fired up the crowd, but the whole occasion was a little flat which was reflected by Mowbray’s body language, arms folded slumped against the railings.     

The hosts began to increase the pressure as the first half drew to a close McDonald created a chance on the edge of the area, but his shot was deflected behind for a corner. Boro’s closest effort came minutes later when a cross from the right dropped to Andy Haliday; the stand in left back, in for the injured George Friend, smashed his shot back across goal which whistled past the far post.

Boro had shown some fight in the first half which was welcomed by a round of applause at the break. However they lacked a cutting edge in the final third and at times it was hard to see where a goal might come from.

It took until the fiftieth minute for the visitors to create their first real chance, when defender Inigo Calderon snuck in behind left back Haliday to receive a floating cross, the Brighton full back took a decent touch but showed his inexperience in front of goal fluffing his shot well over the crossbar.

Minutes later the game experienced a chance at the other end after good work from Curtis Main saw him cease possession deep in Brighton territory, he quickly moved the ball on to Zemmama, who then released McDonald to the right of the penalty area. As Boro’s top scorer this season, McDonald’s failure to hit the target was a timely reminder of Mowbray’s obvious problem, only two goals in their last six games, a dilemma which their opponents didn’t have to worry about.

To Brighton’s credit they had begin the second half on the front foot, pushing Boro further back down the pitch, as Gus Poyet’s side began to show their play-off credentials.

Just before the hour mark the visitors demonstrated exactly what Boro were lacking, a swift move saw Dean Hammond run beyond the Boro defence on the right, his cut back across the box was met by an unmarked Andrea Orlandi, who clinically dispatched the ball into the roof of the net, leaving keeper Jason Steele a helpless spectator.

With yet another game slipping away Mowbray desperately turned to the bench, on came Ameobi McEachran and Carayol, as Smallwood, Zemmama and Faris Haroun all made way.

In an attempt to salvage something from another frustrating afternoon Boro piled men forward, but still they barely threatened Ankergren in the Brighton goal, instead it was the visitors who landed the decisive sucker-punch with fifteen minutes to go.

After wasting a free kick in a promising position Boro were suddenly exposed to a decisive counter attack, Liam Bridcutt’s long pass was latched on to by David Lopez, who somehow found himself in acres of space bearing down on the Boro goal. With all the time in the world the Brighton midfielder delicately chipped the ball over Steele to confirm their cheerful return to the south coast and strengthen Brighton’s mounting play-off bid.

Boro’s final efforts came only in vain; Carayol’s threatening run to the touchline was followed by a low cross into the penalty area which failed to be turned in by a fellow red shirt. The final whistle was greeted by a groan of boos from the fans that had stayed until the bitter end. Most of the noise came from the travelling supporters, the chants from the Brighton fans of “we are going up” something Boro fans can only dream of.

Player Ratings

Jason Steele   6- Given nothing to do all game, but had little hope with either goal

Andy Haliday   5.5- Made some contributions going forward but struggled defensively

Jonathan Woodgate   6.5- Kept Brighton front players relivtly quiet for most of the game         

Rhys Williams (C)   7- Took up good positions to snub out potential Brighton attacks

Justin Hoyte   6.5- Got forward at times in the first half but wasn’t given a chance to do it consistently

Faris Haroun   5- Gave limited cover for Hoyte at right back, offered little going forward

Grant Leadbitter   6- Another hard working honest performance, but set pieces continuously caught by the keeper

Meroune Zemmama   6- Gave something different upfront early on but faded as the game went on

Richard Smallwood   5.5- Moved around in midfield which struggled to create many chances

Scott McDonald   5.5- Missed good opportunities which could have turned the game

Curtis Main   7- Worked hard and gave Brighton defenders something to worry about

Subs

Sammy Ameobi   5.5- Came on with 30 minutes to go but offered little going forward

Josh McEachran   6- Came on at late stage when game was virtually over

Mustapha Carayol   6- Got in behind Brighton defence once, as Boro searched for a consolation goal  

My Boro Man Of The Match: Curtis Main

    

Posh Polish Off Boro’s Season

Middlesbrough   0     Peterborough   0

Last season a goalless draw at home to already relegated Doncaster left the feeling that the final blow had been cast to extinguish Boro’s flame of the play-off and promotions dreams. Almost twelve months on the same result to comparable strugglers Peterborough appears to have sealed the same fate. 

With the top of the Championship table almost locked at a standstill, a late burst of form from any of the chasing play-off pack could still have resulted in a top six finish.

Agony on the touchline, as Boro do everything but score 

 Even for Tony Mowbray’s free-falling Middlesbrough who had managed just seven points out of forty two since the turn of the year an overdue victory would have put them back in touching distance, , with remaining matches against fellow play-off contenders on the horizon.

The final stages reflected Boro’s limp attempt to re-launch their faded play-off bid, too little too late. As the final chances of the game went begging so too did two required points and another chance to close the bridging gap to the top six. 

"We feel we could have won if only we had converted one or more of those chances and we could have kick-started our season,” said Mowbray after the match. "There were a lot of positives but ultimately we are disappointed and frustrated because we didn't win a game we dominated”

Prior to the game the Boro boss had made five changes from the side which were handed Boro’s nineteenth defeat of the season away at Wolves. There was a minor tweak to the formation as Mowbray opted for a 4-4-1-1 with Ishmael Miller coming in up front and Newcastle loanee Sammy Ameobi playing in the hole behind him.

Josh McEachran returned to the centre of midfield alongside Grant Leadbitter, while Rhys Williams also returned partnering Andre Bikey in defence. The fifth change saw Faris Haroun come in on the left wing, as Lukas Jutkiewitz, Mustapha Carayol and Steven McManus dropped to the bench. Jonathan Woodgate and Adam Reach missed out all together.

Peterborough were unchanged from the side that stunned league leaders Cardiff, as the visitors entered the match in good shape, unbeaten in their last six games.

Boro’s recent form has been the exact opposite losing five of their last six, but for a change the hosts started the brighter as they controlled the game from the off.  Due to their league position it was unsurprising that the visitors started with a defensive set up away from home, getting plenty of men behind the ball and proving difficult to break down.

The host’s first opening came in the shape of Grant Leadbitter’s driving run towards the penalty area, visibly confident from his two goals at the weekend he fired a low shot which had to be matched by Posh keeper Robert Olejnik, who saved low to his left. Minutes later Miller received the ball on the edge of the area; he weaved his way into a shooting position but failed to test the keeper.

Peterborough’s threat on the counter attack had to be watched closely, Joe Newell’s effort after a sudden break could have caused problems but the winger’s shot was well off target.  

Despite that chance Mowbray will have been happy with the way has side controlled the early stages, the passing from McEachran and Leadbitter in particular had a nice fluidity about it, however the opposition keeper hadn’t exactly been overworked.  

It took until twenty eight minutes before Olejnik was forced into another save this time from Ameobi, who found the ball at his feet following a half cleared corner, but his snatched shot was comfortably held by the keeper.

Boro’s early rhythm was suddenly interrupted due to a hamstring injury to George Friend; he was replaced by Nicky Bailey who moved in at right back as Justin Hoyte switched to left back.

In the Boro goal Steele had been given little to do, but his alertness was tested seven minutes from half time when full back Craig Alcock smashed a menacing volley from range, which had to be firmly held by the Boro keeper.

 Before half time there was still chance for Ameobi, who appeared to have a trick up his sleeve, to roll a shot agonisingly wide after wriggling away from a defender. That was subsequent to Scott McDonald’s rushed effort which he miss hit from inside the area spearing his shot off target.  

Boro began the second half a little sluggish, as substitute Grant McCann forced a save from Steele. Meanwhile at the other end McEachran went close after his left foot shot was spilled by Olejnik but eventually smothered by the thankful keeper.    

With half an hour played the game began to open up, another break from the visitors was concluded by Dwight Gayle’s tame shot, which Steele was equal to. Mowbray played his hand by making a double substitution, on came Carayol and Curtis Main replacing Miller and McDonald.

It turned into desperation time for Boro who know only a win would do, Carayol twice got in behind the opposition defence down the left but both times the moves agonisingly broke down due to last ditch blocks from recovering defenders.  

As the time slowly ticked away Boro’s chances slowly evaporated just like the season as a whole. In the final push the hosts did everything but score as the match and Boro’s season drifted away like smoke.

The result may prove to be the final nail in the coffin bringing Boro’s realistic promotion hopes, which have only been kept alive by other team’s slip ups, to a disappointing end.

But like Doncaster last year this wasn’t the game where the season was lost those matches all lie further in the past something Boro and Mowbray will have to put right if they are to sustain a purposeful challenge next season.

Player Ratings

Jason Steele   8- Alert to anything he had to deal with, mostly from Peterborough counter attacks

Justin Hoyte   7- Forced to move around from left back to right back once Friend was replaced

Andre Bikey   7- Solid game made some good interceptions snubbing out opposition attacks

Rhys Williams (C)   7- Looked comfortable at established position of centre back, returning to his best form

George Friend   6- Looked like he could cause a threat from left back but forced off after 33 minutes with hamstring injury

Faris Haroun   6- Touch was a bit off as he struggled to cause many problems on the right

Josh McEachran   8- Main playmaker starting most of Boro’s attacks and controlling midfield

Grant Leadbitter   8- Worked his socks off in the middle of the pack tracking back and creating chances at the other end

Scott McDonald   6.5- Worked hard but got limited success on the left wing

Sammy Ameobi   7.5- Looked a threat in behind the striker with ability to beat players, but slowly tired in the second half

Ishmael Miller   6- Struggled to compete in the air showed small flashes of pace but overall quite quiet  

Subs

Nicky Bailey   7- Put in good shift at full back after replacing Friend

Mustapha Carayol   7- Pace transformed left wing, got in behind Peterborough defence but missed support when he got there

Curtis Main   6- Came on with half an hour to go but never got a clear cut chance     

My Boro Man Of The Match : Grant Leadbitter

Carelss England Clawed Back By Montenegro

Montenegro    1        England    1

                                      Damjanovic  77                                     Rooney  6               

Since taking over as England manager there’s no doubt that Roy Hodgson has reinstated some pride and passion back into the national side; however in the competitive games England are yet to prove themselves for a full ninety minutes. Last night’s second half collapse in Montenegro a prime example.

A chance missed but qualification is still in England's hands

The fact  is after six world cup qualifying games England have only despatched minnows San Marino and Moldova and are still yet to beat an established side; a statistic which is becoming increasingly alarming.

       

A trip to group leaders Montenegro was an opportunity to prove England’s status as the best team in the group. For forty five minutes England dominated, but just like in Poland back in October they buckled under pressure, a trait which needs to be removed from the teams system.

England’s stuttering start to the qualifying group had been largely overlooked; a notable victory over Brazil in last month’s friendly combined with Hodgson’s optimistic fresh approach made out that everything was going to plan.

At the start of the night the game lay perfectly poised. England came off the back of an expected 8-0 thrashing of San Mario, a useful warm up for this pivotal game. In contrast Montenegro may have only registered one against similar opposition Moldova; however it was a result which kept them two points clear at the top of the group prior to kick-off.

According to Montenegro coach Branko Brnovic England’s excuses were already in place. A bad pitch, a hostile crowd and inexperienced centre backs, as the opposing manager had accused Hodgson’s side of being “scared” of the occasion.

However England had other ideas, with the chance to seize control at the head of the group the visitors were quick to impose themselves from the off. Although he hasn’t always shown it in an England shirt, in Wayne Rooney, Hodgson has a world class striker on his day.

 With just two minutes on the clock the Manchester United forward noticed a slip from the Montengro keeper Mladen Bozovic, from the edge of the area Rooney produced a Cantona-esque chip which looped over the fortunate keeper who watched the ball rebounded off the far post.

Three minutes later England got their reward. Glen Johnson’s powerful strike forced a finger tip save from Bozovic over his cross bar at full stretch, but it was from the resulting corner that England capitalised. An in swinging delivery from Steven Gerrard was met by the head of Rooney, who effortlessly shrugged off his marker to steer his header into the net.

England were worthy of their lead and remained in complete control. They looked a threat going forward with Rooney holding up possession allowing Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck and James Milner to join in the attacks.

In contrast the highly rated Montenegro forward’s Mirko Vucinic and Steven Jovetic were barely involved in the game, as England pushed high up the pitch and faced little threat towards their own goal.

The only criticism of the first half was that England were only 1-0 up. After twenty four minutes Rooney clipped a delicate cross inches over the head of Welbeck following some good build up play. Minutes later Welbeck appeared to be brought down inside the penalty area, but his protests were turned away by the referee as the striker was harshly booked for diving.

The phrase ‘A game of two halves’ couldn’t describe the match any better. Straight from the kick off England were rocking, struggling to hang on to their first half advantage.

Hodgson’s side suddenly lost control of the midfield and became victims to continuous waves of Montenegro pressure. Jovetic in particular began to have a greater impact, urging on the crowd who had been thriving all night.

Joe Hart gave the England bench a brief scare when he palmed Vucinic’s shot between his own legs but eventfully recovered. Minutes later the England keeper was again required, this time to make a flying save to his right from Jovetic’s sweetly struck volley. Its easy to say now but maybe at that point a substitution would have helped England, who were desperately hanging on.   

The Montenegro equaliser was on the cards and arrived thirteen minutes from time. A routine corner wasn’t dealt with by some careless England defending; the ball was cannoned around the penalty area but wasn’t cleared allowing substitute Dejan Damjanovic to finally poke the ball home after a series of attempts. 

The goal resulted in an overdue England reaction. Gerrard’s free kick was met by a vital intervention by Bozovic to keep the scores level but it was all too little too late. It was a game England couldn’t afford to lose with the prospect of falling five points adrift from the top of the group. A draw keeps their fate in their own hands but after the first half this was a game England should have won.

Hodgson remained positive making it clear that qualification is still in England’s hands and that they were still unbeaten in the group. The team now face a long wait until their next competitive games; a crucial double header in September sees a home tie with Moldova followed by a trip to Ukraine. 

Down And Out

Middlesbrough     0        Birmingham     1

                                                                            Zigic  81    

Where has it all gone wrong? Back at the end of December Boro were flying high, a convincing yet entertaining victory over Blackpool capped off a dazzling start to the season, which left the Teesiders one point off the automatic promotion places. Some even dared to believe in a return to the holy lands of the Premier League.

Not even three months down the line Boro sit only seven points better off than at the start of January, a 1-0 defeat at home to Birmingham was their tenth in thirteen games since the turn of the year which seems to have banished the promotion dream.    

Nikola Zigic's grabs a late goal to end Boro's playoff hopes

An endless drift away from the head of the table leaves Boro five points from the final playoff position with eight games to go. Now even the most optimistic supporter would find it hard to believe in a top flight return.

There was no hiding from the poor run of form from Tony Mowbray’s side, which clearly had an impact on the attendance. Barely 14,000 meant the empty seats visibly outnumbered the full ones; the dreary atmosphere from the second half of the season has been vastly unrelated to the buzz before Boro’s New Year freefall.

The results surely haven’t been helped by weekly changes to the Boro line up, for the visit of Birmingham the hosts showed seven changes from their trip to Bristol City last Saturday.

There were welcome returns for long injury absentees Justin Hoyte and Lukas Jutkiewitz while Adam Reach was also recalled to the side. Rhys Williams was left on the bench, as Jonathan Woodgate wore the captain’s armband partnering Andre Bikey in defence.

Faris Haroun took up the position of centre midfield despite Josh McEachran being available on the bench. In contrast the Birmingham team only showed three differences from their draw with Derby last weekend.

With the game only seconds old the visitors were forced into an early change, Jonathan Spector limped off following a challenge from Haroun, after a lengthy wait the Birmingham player was replaced by Keith Fahey.

With neither side brimming in confidence, the game stuttered into life. A cagey opening provided few goal scoring opportunities, however Andre Bikey’s careless header back to Jason Steele was nearly pounced on by Birmingham’s Wes Thomas, but the Boro keeper was alert to make a crucial save.

Boro shaded the possession but lacked a cutting edge to carve their opponents open, rarely testing Birmingham keeper Jack Butland.

But after half an hour it looked like they had cracked it, a valiant run from George Friend on the left took him into the heart of the penalty area, his low shot was pushed away by Butland into the path of Scott McDonald who tapped into an empty net. However celebrations were short lived by the waving of the linesman’s flag and it was back to square one.  

The visitors briefly threatened, but were reduced to long range shooting. First substitute Fahey dragged his effort wide from the edge of the area, before Ravel Morrison’s attempt from a similar position forced a decent save from Steele.

With the sides locked at 0-0, it certainly wasn’t the worst half of football that Boro had played this season. It was a typical tight Championship game, where taking your chances was going to be key.

After the break Boro were quick to rank up the pressure, winning five corners in the first eight minutes. But games of this nature are won by fine margins, with just under an hour played a goal kick from Steele was headered on by Jukekiewitz to release McDonald through on goal. Butland spread himself well to make a fine save; nevertheless it was a chance that went begging.

Only twenty years of age Butland has been tipped by many to one day challenge for a regular England selection. The City keeper was again called upon eighteen minutes from time when Reach’s cross looked to be heading wide but curled at the last second and could have snuck in if it wasn’t for Butland’s intervention.

Birmingham could consider themselves lucky not to be down to ten men after Nikola Zigic, who was already booked deliberately pushed the ball away with his hand, but luckily escaped a second yellow card. A decision which cost Boro dearly.

With nine minutes to go Boro began to get sloppy and were soon made to pay.  Haroun lost possession inside his own half, as the blue shirts suddenly flooded forward. A bursting run from Shane Ferguson down the left allowed him space to curl a low cross into the box which was inevitably turned in by the fortunate Zigic to steal the narrowest of game.

A victory would have lifted Boro up to seventh, two points away from the final playoff position. As it turned out a tenth defeat in thirteen leaves them five points adrift with eight games to play, surely an impossible task for a team who have scored just seven points out of a possible thirty nine. The season now appears effectively over for Mowbray and Boro.  

Player Ratings

Jason Steele   7- Good individual performance, made some decent saves but wasn’t overly worked

Justin Hoyte   7- First game in a two months, but looked like he had never been away, a cool experienced head at right back

Jonathan Woodgate   7.5- Again showed his Premier League quality to keep Birmingham strikers relatively quiet

Andre Bikey   6- Another erratic performance, caught in possession a couple of times

George Friend   6.5- Added usual spark going forward, sometimes struggled defensively due to pace of Nathan Redmond   

Adam Reach   6.5- Got a couple of crosses into the box, but struggled to regularly test the full back

Faris Haroun   5.5- Looked out of sort in centre midfield, gave too many passes away

Grant Leadbitter   7.5- Worked hard in midfield, moved the ball well with good range of passing       

Sammy Ameobi   5.5- Found it tough to get involved in the game, had little impact going forward

Scott McDonald   6- Was given little to feed off, but was a little wasteful when chances came along

Lukas Jutkiewitz   6- Worked hard getting some success in the air, but again had limited opportunities

Subs

Ishmael Miller   5.5- Replaced Jutkiewitz after sixty five minutes, had little impact on the game

Mustapha Carayol - Came on with thirteen minutes to go but offered little going forward

Josh McEachran- Surprising he never started the game came on with four minutes to go and had little chance

My Boro Man Of The Match Jonathan Woodgate

"The Messi Show" Again

Before last night no team in Champions League history had recovered from a two goal first leg deficit without having scored an away goal. For any side the mountainous task would appear almost impossible, not if you’re Barcelona.

After losing three of their last five games, two to arch rivals Real Madrid, it seemed that the greatest team in the world had reached a stage of decline following the departure of manager Pep Guadeola last summer. Some were calling it “the end of an era”

With present manager Tito Vilanova currently away from the team recovering from parotid gland cancer, the side have clearly lacked required leadership this season.

In his absence the Spanish giants, who have dominated Europe over recent years, lay on the brink of a tragic Champions League exit before the quarter finals. The thought was simply unthinkable.

An unexpected 2-0 deficit to AC Milan after the first leg at the San Siro the perfect stage was set for a Barcelona master class with a packed out Nou Camp behind them.

Lionel Messi, on his day Unstoppable 

Barcelona’s 4-3-3 formation abruptly turned into 3-5-1-1 with a three man defence of Javier Mascherano, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba. Pedro and Dani Alves operated the wings sandwiching the midfield trio of Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets who endlessly stretched the Milan defence. David Villa led the line with the ever indescribable Lionel Messi drifting behind him.

Overall the home side contained eight Spaniards, just a shame we don’t see as many regular English players in our own Premier League.   

The intensity levels of the opening twenty five minutes were truly mind-blowing; on a carpet like pitch Barcelona’s high tempo passing produced a unique football experience which only comes along every so often.

Milan did their best to close down routes to their goal, but Barca still found even the narrowest of gaps, when a curling shot from Messi flew into the visitors net after just five minutes. The match had sprung into life.

Despite the hosts dominance the game pivoted on a two minute spell six minutes before half time. Although the final result looks convincing if Milan’s M’Baye Niang had converted a golden chance before the interval things could have swung the other way, as it happened the eighteen year old forward saw his one on one with the keeper rebound off the post, only for Messi to punishingly sweep home Barca’s second a minute later.

Even with David Villa’s third goal after the break an away goal from Milan would have seen them through, which on this performance from Barcelona would have just been wrong.

Some nervy moments followed, however they were all dashed when Alba sealed an historic victory in stoppage time, after he burst forward on a late counter attack tucking the ball away coolly to seal a resounding 4-0 win.

Although Messi will steal most of the headlines the whole team performance from Barcelona was one of intent, a message to the rest of Europe. From a neutral point of view the Champions League just wouldn’t be the same without Barcelona.