Home V West Ham

The three injury doubts before the game were Barry Robson, Scott McDonald and Marvin Emnes. The team news was announced that our forwards would make the game and Robson missed out through injury.

On to the game, I sit in the North Stand and never like it when we lose the toss and have to swap ends! Meaning we are shooting towards the North in the first half rather than the second half! Boro had a shaky start with passes going astray, bad control by a number of players and by the way we started I would have liked all the players to go off and change their boots!

The way we started the game it was only a matter time before we got punished, West Ham put the ball in from the left and Piquionne headed in from six yards. We weren’t at the races and you need to be to play the top teams in the division. As the half went on we got better and had a few good chances through Scott McDonald and Haroun had a good chance that lacked real power. Any power and it would have been a certain goal.

2nd half we had a lot of possession without creating a clear cut chance despite three corners in quick succession they all coming to nothing as there wasn’t enough Boro shirts attacking the ball. We were certainly missing Barry Robson’s drive, determination, runs forward and another leader on the pitch. I thought the game was crying out for a winger and a centre forward, hopefully it may be possible to do a bit of wheeling and dealing in this department. Haroun on the right won a lot of headers though they was no one for the knock downs and he doesn’t really have the pace to beat people out wide.

When four minutes of injury time go up, it gives you a bit of hope getting a chance to grab an equaliser. Not this time, West Ham were keeping the ball in corner and when the game was just about up Matthew Bates pass back to Jason Steele was short and Carlton Cole latched on to the ball and had an open net to make it 2-0.

It was the manner of the defeat for me against West Ham and away at Southampton, we never really played to our full potential and started so poorly. That is the disappointing and frustrating thing. I like to see us at our best against these sides and I’m sure we would take at least a point. I felt we had the more clear cut chances and West Ham weren’t that good. You really need to start a game well against any team with plenty of premier league experience.

I would like to see Curtis Main get a chance to come off the bench between now and January, he could offer us something different until we can do something in the transfer window. Since the news came out about Rhys Williams not signing a new contract while he was on international duty he has not been the same player.

That was our first home defeat since February when we lost to QPR, a great record and real progress. Time to start another home run starting against Brighton, before then we go to Bristol City and need to get a result. The main thing is we are still in a good position and must go put a decent performance in at Bristol City this weekend. As long as we keep collecting point to keep within the top 6 we are in with a chance of promotion. There will be plenty twists to come in this league and it’s important we bounce back quickly from this defeat.

Peterborough Away

It was the trip down south to Peterborough and time to sample standing, the closest I would get to the Holgate end at Ayresome Park I guess and another new ground for me to tick off the list. The Moy End Terrace was filling up as we approached kick off with another great following of over 2,300 making the trip.

In the first half we kept the ball in the final third of the pitch for large spells without really causing too many problems for Peterborough. McDonald had our best chance of the half and he really should have done better with a fine ball through from Joe Bennett. Level at the break, Robson was the stand out player for me trying to drive the team on make things happen with his determined forward runs.

Second half we took the lead early on through a corner and a great thumping header by our captain Matthew Bates, Get in! The whole Boro team celebrated with us as the away end went wild. We were in full control of the game until around the 60th minute when the team started going deeper as Peterborough changed there formation to three up front.

Steele made a good save with his legs from a George Boyd shot. I thought we had done enough to hang on to the win. With 10 minutes to go we failed to clear our lines and Peterborough player Taylor hit a strike which flew into the net. A great goal it has to be said!

With 10 minutes left plus injury time we had another chance to go back in the lead. McManus had a great header, I felt he directed it to the wrong side and it went wide. Nimely on as sub had a chance to shoot and opted to square it to Haroun and the opportunity was gone. The game came to an end finishing all square, with all that possession we really should have won the game but possession counts for nothing if you don’t put your chances away and kill teams off. Both our forwards had poor games Emnes maybe still be carrying the ankle injury that stopped him training leading up to game.

The team didn’t have anywhere near as many clear cut chances as we did at Blackpool and didn’t make their keeper work hard enough. As a team when our chances come along we must be more clinical and not snatch at chances, sometimes there is time to take that extra touch.

We are drawing a lot of games and chasing wins late on in games I just wonder if we pressed teams for the majority game would we tire for last 15 minutes of the game? Saying that in most games we have had more than enough chances to put the game to bed quite comfortably.

It’s great still to be were we are in the playoffs, though wouldn’t it be great to beat the hammers at home and narrow that gap at the top. There’s plenty of football still to be played and lots of twists and turns yet to come. Come on Boro!

Forest Away

Major disappointment at the city ground last night. A much changed team through injury saw Seb Hines make his first league start of the season alongside Stephen McManus and Tony McMahon as Mogga opted to go with 3-5-2 which has been such a success so far on our travels this season. Our captain Matthew Bates and Rhys Williams stayed back on Teesside with injuries.

Scott McDonald was given a breather and dropped down to the bench with Julio Arca. Faris Haroun came in to the starting line up with Barry Robson supporting Emnes upfront. Boro didn’t start the game well against a side that hadn’t won at home this season and looked shaky at the back. It was disappointing that we let Forest get a hold of the game, they grew in confidence and they took the lead 10 minutes before half time through some sloppy play, losing possession and players switching off from defensive duties.

We weren’t playing passes on the deck and were hoofing the ball forward, trying to force the play too often. Any team would miss the likes of Matthew Bates and Rhys Williams they have been so influential in our early season form. Both players bring the ball forward and pass it out of defence. 2nd half sounded similar with Forest doubling their lead and I couldn’t wait for the final whistle.

It was a bad day all around, only having one shot at goal, losing Barry Robson to suspension after getting his 5th yellow card of the season and Thomson spending the last few minutes in the dugout after tweaking his hamstring. We will be without Barry Robson who has been one of our better players recently as he serves a one match ban against Derby. I would like to see Richard Smallwood feature on the bench on Saturday as he seems to have become a forgotten man for us with this stupid 5 players on bench rule limiting his chances. He did great in first team last season.

From listening to the match on BBC Tees I do like Craig Hignett’s honest assessment of games, he tells it how it is. I was thinking during commentary he would make a good assistant somewhere. The unbeaten run had to come to an end sometime but I’m disappointed it happened against a struggling team like Forest whose new manager won’t have had much time to work with the players.

Hopefully on Saturday we will have some of our key defenders back and Scott McDonald back in the starting line up to get back on the goal trail. The game will probably come too soon for new forward signing Bart Ogbeche. I have started calling our new Nigerian who signed until the end of the season Bart Man! It seems easier to pronounce! A much needed option upfront let’s hope he can have a real impact throughout the season.

The forest game has gone now and it is all about bouncing back from this defeat and what we do on Saturday. At least the unbeaten hype from the media will have gone. It is important we don’t let this great start to the season go to waste and start another run of winning games. I hope the Boro team get their shooting boots on, beat the Rams on our own patch and we are talking about 3 home pts come 5.45pm sat night. UTB!

Millwall and Home Form

I was frustrated at drawing another home game on Saturday but even more disappointed with some of our fans booing at end of game. I couldn’t believe it after the start to season. You would have thought we had got hammered! Anyone who follows me on twitter will noticed a few ranting tweets on the subject after the game. I was that annoyed I actually tried to get on the radio to air my views however I turned out too late for the show. The fans have got to look at the Bigger picture, we are unbeaten, and have just set a new club record of 11 games unbeaten at the start of a season and are 3rd in League. A start better than any Boro fan could have imagined.

Sections of fans looking for any little mistake get on Steele’s back. It was his first game back, he is our No1 and would have been back by the end of the month anyway. Giving him stick is only helping the opposition! Carl Ikeme has done a great job for us covering for Steele. His loan is going to end on 1st of November so it was only ever a matter of time before Steele was back in goal. This change came a few games early with Ikeme failing a fitness test on Saturday with a hand injury. Time to back our No1!

Home form is becoming a real concern with all the draws. On Saturday I felt that if McDonald had been at the top of his game we would now be talking about a comfortable Boro win. He could easily have had a hattrick on Saturday. Two of the chances in each half he had were hit straight at the goalkeeper. He just needs a goal to help his confidence and then I’m sure we will see him go on a goal scoring run.

It would be good if we had another option upfront. If we had a forward who plays differently to Emnes, McDonald and Nimely, someone with a bit more height and strength up there. Like a Lambert or a Jutkiewicz for instance. There is no hiding that we are short in that department and Mowbray tried to get Jutkiewicz in before transfer window shut. I’m sure we will be back in for him in January, I just hope his price tag hasn’t gone up by then!

Wins will come. Mogga has got us hard to beat and it is not as if we are not creating chances. We have hit the woodwork more than any other team in the Championship. We’re not conceding as many goals as last season with one of the best defences in the league. It is just a case of putting our chances away and the wins will come at home. Some of the negativity after the game you would have thought we had got thumped. These draws could play a huge part come May on goal difference and this season we may just have a good Christmas run after all we are due one.

It’s important we are all as one at Riverside and back Mogga and the team if we are going to challenge for promotion. We The Twe12th man can have a big impact on the season and build on this great and unexpected start to the season. UTB!

Boro Unbeaten Run

It has been an exceptional start to the season for Middlesbrough, equalling a club record run of ten games unbeaten at the start of a league campaign. It was only achieved once before in the club’s history back in 1910. It’s the clubs 3rd season in the championship and there seems to be a real determination in the side to not let this season go to waste and come May, to be up there in the mix with something to play for.

Tony Mowbray has deployed a fluid 3-5-2 formation in a majority of games so far this season. Helping three centre-backs are the wing backs Justin Hoyte and Joe Bennett, who have plenty of pace to get up and down the flanks. Nicky Bailey stays deep organising the team, covering for his teammates when they drift out of position. Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme – on loan from Wolves – hasn’t put a foot wrong, doing a great job covering for Jason Steele, who is coming back from a wrist injury he did in pre season.

The formation suits Middlesbrough away from home more. The wing backs get forward and Barry Robson regularly bursts forward from midfield. With the two forwards Scott McDonald and Marvin Emnes, there is a lot of pace in the team to counter attack to good effect. Middlesbrough have played some great attacking football so far this season enabling Nicky Bailey and young Boro and England U21 player Joe Bennett to score their first goals for club away at Burnley.

At home, and using the same formation, the team have struggled at times to break down the opposition and depending on the opposition, Boro may need to tweak it at times. The last two home games against two of the better teams in the championship, Ipswich and Leicester have both finished in 0-0 draws. Both games were entertaining with some attacking football and could have gone either way with both sides having good chances to nick the win. Although a win would have been ideal, it was important that the team didn’t lose these two games and looked solid at the back, thus extending the run of consecutive cleansheets to 5. These are games that Boro would have lost last season, which goes to show the big improvements that Mowbray has brought on his return to Middlesbrough.

Read the rest of my Article on http://www.thehardtackle.com/2011/middlesbroughs-corner-how-architect-tony-mowbray-designed-an-unbeaten-boro/

August Joy

What a start to the season it’s been for Boro, a packed August with games coming thick and fast with 7 games in the first 22 days of the campaign. 11 points out of 15 is a great start yet it could easily have been more, dropping points at home v Portsmouth and Coventry. Although if somebody had told me at start of the season that we would take 11 points out 15 be unbeaten and win 2 cup games on our travels. I would have snapped their hands off! 

It has been an encouraging start with Boro playing some great entertaining football in most of the games this month. Against Pompey the conditions were difficult yet we still managed to play some super football. It was certainly one of the best opening day performances of late. The front two linked up well, McDonald with a great assist for the clinical Emnes.

Walsall was a good cup away day with Emnes getting his first hatrick in English football. It gave us the chance to give some of our fringe players’ valuable game time and test out other formations. It was good to see Martin & Smallwood play the full 90 and especially Hines after returning from his facial injuries picked up at Ipswich game towards the end of last season.

You can see that a lot of pre season work has gone into passing; I would be interested to know what the pass success rate on the games this season is compared to last season. It has improved dramatically and along with a quicker tempo, we are aiming to be the new Swansea of the championship with our passing game.

Leeds from what I heard was another great display with Boro largely in control throughout. Even sweeter that Boro nicked the all important goal with Marvin Emnes on target again.

Barnsley away; some of the football Boro played especially first half was breath taking to watch. The stand out players included Robson bursting forward from his central midfield role had his best game in a Boro shirt, Bailey spraying passes mixing it up with short and long range, the creative Julio Arca and Emnes scoring his 6^th goal in 4 games, what a start from our new no9. It was good to see Boro come back from a losing position for the first time this season.

The Home game v Birmingham was a game we came back into after the ref had awarded the away side a penalty which was very harsh as Burke dived. It didn’t matter however as Boro stormed back in the 2^nd half. Equalising straight after the break with a Robson free kick followed by two players coming off the bench and having a real impact, Haroum scoring and Martin made sure of win with a cracking shot which must be up there for goal of month. Great impact subs by Mogga and it looks like we have great competition for places in the team with two new players who look more than capable of being useful players this season. Oh and signed on free transfers too! Top work from Mogga!

Another good display on the road at Peterborough in the cup was described as good as the first half at Barnsley. Boro scared the life out of Peterborough with our quick counter attacks. Taking a comfortable 2-0 lead at ht we defended well and held on to our lead and made it into the next round of the cup.

Home v Coventry was disappointing after the football we have seen this season plus I don’t rate Coventry, I think they are a poor team. Its encouraging that the standard we have set with our performances so far this season mean that we are disappointed, however it was quite clear we struggled with only one forward fit in Emnes who had a great start to the season. Once we got in front we seemed to try and stroll to victory. You can’t do that in this league and maybe with all games packed in this month tiredness was a factor as the players looked jaded. It was a lesson and a bit of a wake up call.

The international break comes at a good time for us to get McDonald back fit. He has looked really sharp this season, him and Emnes look a good partnership. We do need another option upfront in case our front two get injured or if an alternative is needed to change things in a game from the bench.

I’m hoping that come Thursday 1^st September our star players are still at the club. I’m sure Emnes’s cracking start to the season with 7 goals won’t have gone unnoticed. He has done great since coming back from his loan spell at Swansea and now we are seeing a more productive side to his game in front of goal. Our new No9 has got a huge part to play this season and seems to be enjoying his time on Teesside thanks to Tony Mowbray.

Let’s not forget the start to the season, I enjoyed watching Boro enormously this month it’s been exciting watching quick, fast tempo, attacking football. We certainly have been entertained at start of the season playing some of best football I have seen in years. It’s nice to go to games under Mogga and look forward to them knowing we have a chance when we cross that white line. I’m looking forward to seeing The Boro in September once the players have recharged their batteries and hopefully continue our great form. There seems to be a real determination in the camp not to waste the season and put a real mark on the league in our first full season under Mowbray.

Get on board the Mogganaught! UTB!

Barnsley Away

The trip to South Yorkshire to play Barnsley was a great opportunity for the Boro to build on a decent start to the season. Having arrived at Oakwell another new ground for me to tick off, me and my mate enjoyed a drink in the concourse before going to pick where to sit for the game. With the ticket stating unreserved seating which I think is a great idea for friends and groups to sit together, we choose to sit in upper right behind the goal.

10-15 Minutes before kick off the atmosphere was building and you could sense this was going to be a noisy travelling army. We clapped the players off after the warm up, now it was time for the big kickoff. 

The players entered the pitch from the tunnel which was just to the right of us. The game got under way with not the start we wanted with McManus slicing the ball into his own net. It was an awful goal right in front of us and opening Barnsley’s account for season. I had my hands over my face I couldn’t believe what I had just seen. So for the first time this season could we come back from a losing position?

A goal down Tony Mowbray changed the formation to 3-5-2 with Rhys Williams joining Stephen McManus and Matthew Bates at the back. It wasn’t long before we were level through a Barry Robson corner Scott McDonald scoring his first goal of season. Great to see the forward get of the mark! Great response by Boro and it was only to get better with Boro going in front two minutes later. Rhys played the ball over the top for McDonald who used his pace down the left and crossed the ball into the box for Robson who burst into the box to tap home his first goal of season.

What a come back from Boro and plenty of EIOing from the travelling red army. Robson was bursting forward playing a more central midfield role. Arca started his first game since rejoining the club. Plenty of creativity and Bailey was spraying the passes short and long. The passing & movement was superb, playing quick tempo, forward passing football. Great to watch Boro be the entertainers.  

Robson met a cross from Justin Hoyte who was having more Joy down the flanks but headed just over the bar. So close! It wasn’t long before we increased our lead further with all the Boro players behind the ball McDonald gained possession and accelerated with his pace, Emnes made a run into the box and McDonald slipped a nice through ball for Emnes to latch on to, he took a touch and hit a shot under Barnsley keeper Steele to make it 3-1 to Boro. What a first half the away end was bouncing. What a turnaround from that early disaster.

The Ref blew his whistle for the end of the half time & the players came off the pitch to a great ovation, first half job done! Time for the 2^nd half Barnsley started the brighter forcing us all back in our own half of the pitch but it was Boro who had the real big chance to increase our lead. Robson played a through ball for Bates who made a run forward and he only had keeper to beat but he didnt put any power in the shot otherwise it was a certain goal. Time for some subs with Mowbray taking Hoyte off who had a late fitness test to play been replaced by Hines. Smallwood came on for the influential Julio Arca who played great in the middle of the park, it was like he had never been away. Chants of Julio, Julio Julio rang out by the away following.

Smallwood did well, making a run just outside box he was brought down. Robson took the freekick which was hit straight at the wall. Then came the final whistle with a huge ovation for all the players as they came off the pitch. Tony Mowbray was given a loud reception as he headed down the tunnel, us fans chanting ‘There’s only one Tony Mowbray’ as he came off the pitch. It was great to see young Connor Ripley just behind me following the first team which shows that the young players really do care about the team.

The away end was superb all night, great support throughout on a purely great away game I didn’t want to end, 3 points in the bag, a comfortable win on the road so roll on Sunday! Plenty of character in this team, when we need to defend all 11 work hard to be behind ball and break forward in numbers. Tony Mowbray has got us playing some great football this season, it’s an encouraging start to the season and we must build on this back at the Riverside on Sunday against Birmingham. UTB!

Carling Cup Round 1 - Walsall Away

A trip down to West Midlands it was for the first round of the Carling Cup, against league 1 side Walsall and it had to be settled on the night. I entered The Banks’s Stadium, the away fans were situated in the side stand. The Boro players were training just in front of us with the ground being close to the pitch. The sun was blazing down on our stand while I watched the team train a guy from Walsall came round with a team sheet.

Tony McMahon was going to be captain for the evening, which was a nice honour for the passionate heart of a lion player. To wear the captain’s armband and to lead the team out meant one of his ambitions was going to be fulfilled. Hines was making his first start since the awful facial injuries he received at Ipswich. Martin was making his first start for Boro. Coyne was making his 500^th career appearance. Time for kick off, as the game got under way it was discovered we were playing a 3-5-2 formation. Not only was Tony McMahon captain he was playing a different position, centre back along side McManus and Hines. Joe Bennett and Justin Hoyte were used as wing backs getting forward down the flanks. Bailey, Smallwood and Martin in the middle of park with Zemmama and Emnes up front.

Walsall had a freekick early on which came to nothing. Zemmama was first to have a shot from around 20 yards which was deflected. The Saddlers didn’t help their chances early on when their No7 Chambers lunged in with a two footed tackle on Smallwood. Luckily Richie jumped out of the challenge. Chambers stayed rolling on the ground, he must have known that the red card was coming. The referee had got it right, he got his marching orders and Walsall were down to 10 men. It was stupid as Smallwood wasn’t going anywhere, it happened in the middle of the pitch and right down in front of us Boro fans.

The Boro used the wing backs to great effect, Hoyte and Bennett bombing down the flanks showing they pace. Hoyte crossed it in to the box Martin didn’t connect properly and it scuffed to Emnes to drill in to the bottom right hand corner; 1-0 to Boro. Shortly after we had opened the scoring we had to take off Zemmama who was struggling and time for Lee Miller to get a good 70 minutes on the pitch.

Joe Bennett used his trickery, taking players on and hit a shot which was inches away. Bailey was spraying the passes out wide, Smallwood making runs forward and Martin looked very comfortable on the ball. Boro were keeping possession well and it wasn’t long before we increased our lead. Hoyte flew down the right hand side and fired in a fine cross. What a finish though from Emnes, he connected with the ball and acrobatically volleyed low into the net from 10 yards out. 2-0 up at break.

Out came the Boro team for the second half attacking the goal which was nearest to us. Smallwood played a one two with Miller which saw him burst in to the box only to be clipped by one of the Walsall players for a pen. Time for Boro to make it 3-0 and wrap up the game. No question who was taking it, man of the moment, Marvin Emnes had the chance to get his hatrick and there was no doubt about the result as he drilled it in to the bottom right hand corner. The new No.9 has made a great start to the seaso, four goals in two games, long may it continue.

Being 3-0 up and with that extra man advantage, enabled us to make changes, resting our Dutch star Marvin Emnes for the big clash with Leeds at the weekend and also Nicky Bailey. Luke Williams and Cameron Park came on for their first action in the first team this season. The game was comfortable for us; we were keeping possession well and causing a few more threats for Walsall. Park had a good chance but was just unable to curl the ball in to the net. Coyne had little to do on his 500^th career appearance. His handling was immaculate and showed real bravery near the end when gathering the ball and getting kicked off one of the Walsall players.

All in all it was a good cup win with valuable minutes on the pitch for Martin, Smallwood, Hines, Miller, L Williams and Park. You could clearly see some of the work in training paying off on the pitch in our first two games. It was great to see this. On to Leeds now and it will be good to see our new No9 Marvin Emnes get on the score sheet again, his confidence must be sky high. What a week, getting one on Saturday and his first hatrick in English football. So to sum up, it was a professional team display with plenty of entertainment and Boro go into the next round. Now back to League football..

Wet Opening Game v Portsmouth

The day I been waiting for finally arrived, the opening game of the new campaign, even if it meant the earliest start yet to a football season. Rhys Williams had the possibility of playing against his younger brother Ryan Williams, the 17 year old plays for Portsmouth and had mentioned on his twitter account he was in the squad.

The weather wasn’t what you would expect for an opening game of the season, rain jackets and umbrellas were much needed with heavy rain approaching the ground. As I arrived at the stadium quite soaked and found my new seat in the North stand upper, right bang in the middle, a great seat and view.

Impressed with my seat, with only a few minutes to kick off, I watched the players come on to pitch which looked immaculate. We lined up with on loan keeper Carl Ikeme in goal, a defence of Tony McMahon, Matthew Bates, Stephen McManus and Justin Hoyte. In midfield was Nicky Bailey, Rhys Williams with Barry Robson and Joe Bennett playing on the flanks. It was a new position for Joe, I wasn’t quite sure before KO if Hoyte would play in midfield but once the game was under way it became clear Joe was playing in a more attacking role.

With such bad conditions throughout the game, grey clouds and heavy rain hammering down, the floodlights were on early. We started a bit shaky with Portsmouth using the flanks to better affect early on. Boro’s first chance came from a Barry Robson shot struck from around 30 yards out but flying well over. Carl Ikeme made a great save one on one, making himself big to deny Dave Kitson. Boro started to get their passing going. There was great work from McDonald on the left edge of the box, he took 2 players on entering inside the penalty area Scott passed to Emnes who turned and hit the ball low in to the bottom right corner, a great move and finish. Great link up by the front two and encouraging signs that this partnership can really work.

Boro were playing some good football, Emnes had a shot just wide from the edge of box before McDonald hit a shot from the left hand side from similar range. It was so close, just inches away from doubling our lead. It was half time the players ran off to get a break from the wet conditions replacing their soaked strip before coming back out for the second half.

The second half kicked off with Portsmouth replying straight away. David Norris got the ball just out side the box and hit a sweet shot low to the right hand corner. Portsmouth were back in the game, Boro had been stretched.

We soon bounced back in to the lead with some fine football. Bailey found Rhys Williams making a run and played a ball through for Rhys who collected it in the box and coolly tucked in into the net after going one on one with the keeper. Rhys ran over to the corner flag to celebrate and we all went mad celebrating ourselves in the North Stand. At long last the rain had just about stopped it only now became a problem with puddles of water in wide positions and corner flags.

Portsmouth made a double substitution with just under 30 minutes left to play with Kanu coming on and Rhys’s brother Ryan Williams making his debut In the first team. A Special moment for the Williams family. Boro continued to break forward and creating chances, Emnes powerful shot was parred over the bar and Scott McDonald was denied by a great save at the near post.

Portsmouth enjoyed  a good spell which drove us deeper then we wanted. There was a real determination and a togetherness to keep them out. I did think maybe it was time for Smallwood to come on though on the other hand the game was flowing really well with good passing movement, so why alter it? The fourth official announced 5 minutes of injury time, I’m not sure why there was 5 minutes maybe it was all the referees little words with players throughout the game.

One of the Portsmouth subs, Christian Daily hit a ball into the box which deflected off McManus and Bates and in to the path of Varney to slot home from close range. Jammy Portsmouth! It was really cruel on Boro who had deserved the 3 points after plenty possession and chances. I can only remember Portsmouth coming close with a freekick in the 2^nd half. It was heart breaking stuff but at the same time a very encouraging opening day of the season display, certainly one of the best in recent times. Bright, quick movement and a real determination and togetherness, the signs are promising for the season ahead. UTB!

You can check my Championship Preview on The Boro at this link below. It’s an Indian site with plenty of football articles worth a look.    

http://www.thehardtackle.com/2011/npower-championship-preview-part-3-svens-leicester-feisty-millwall-leeds-middlesborough-and-ipswich/

Roll On 6th August!

I’m looking forward to the new campaign enormously. Everything feels right going into the new season with the players really enjoying getting back into training, working under Mogga and his coaching staff. There seems a really good team spirit in the camp which can only have got better with the pre season trip away to Slovenia.

We the fans are all behind Mogga, we know that with Tony Mowbray in charge whatever team he selects will be fully committed and give their all for the cause. Mogga has instilled confidence and restored pride and passion back in to the side on and off the pitch. We ended the last campaign playing some great attacking football, fingers crossed we can now pick up where left off.

From reading reports on the Boro site and tweets from the players it seems the pre season trip to Slovenia has gone well. It has been a good test for the players all getting valuable minutes on the pitch and returning without injuries. In the final game of the tour Connor Ripley played his first 90 minutes for the first team, making some great saves and getting man of match on Boro site. It will do his confidence the world of good.

It is now just over two weeks until season starts with a couple of local friendlies to play away against Darlington and Carlisle before we end the pre season games with a home game v PSV. Then at long last the new Championship season will get under way. I can’t wait…

Boro have brought in Curtis Main and Malaury Martin both on free transfers. Both are gambles in different ways. Malaury spent large spells of his Blackpool career out injured. Having been released by non-league Darlington you could question whether Main is up to the task. Yet both players are only young and could turn out to be great signings by Mogga. Curtis is a young forward, he is well built and looks ready to be thrown in if needed. I can see him scoring goals at this level, he could be a good impact sub. Malaury is a young, skilful attacking midfielder signed after impressing Tony in a trial. He is only 22, I’m looking forward to watching him play for the Boro. 

The starting eleven for Boro is strong to compete in this league. We are more than capable of been up there in the top 6 challenging for a playoff place. It’s a realistic aim; put a good run of results together in this league and anything is possible. I hope we can add one or two players to strengthen the side between now and the first home game of season, whether that comes from the loan market or permanent signings. We need this extra depth to cover injuries and suspensions as it’s a demanding league with plenty of games in a short period.

Personally I’m excited for the new season and can’t wait for kick off. I’m counting the days til our opening game v Pompey. I’ll be back in the North Stand cheering the lads on. Roll on 6 August. Tony Mowbray's first full season in charge could be the best in years!

Let’s get behind the Boro and get up on your feet to the Mowbray beat! We got Tony and we got Tony Tony Mowbray Mowbray.

Up The Boro!

Looking Forward To The New Season

Now having had time to reflect on last season and what a storming finish it was with great away wins at Hull and Cardiff. I’m excited for the new campaign and can’t wait for it to start. Mowbray has done a great job turning the club around since becoming manager last October.

Under the former captain we have enjoyed much improved away form, which all kicked off after finally winning our first away game of the season at Scunthorpe in November. Tony Mowbray did a great job under the difficult circumstances of having to reduce the wage bill forcing the sales of Wheater, O’Neil and most recently Boyd. This close season he had to release Taylor and Arca as their contracts came to an end with the club. Haas and Tavares both left when their loan spells ended. But despite all these forced exits we still have plenty of grounds for optimism.

It’s a shame we have lost Julio Arca I thought he was consistently one of our best players last season, he got my vote for the fans player of the year. Financially it helps the club as Julio was on Premier League wages. While Andrew Taylor was also on big wages needing him to take a pay-cut to stay with Boro he opted instead to go to Cardiff where he has rejoined Malky Mackay who he flourished under on loan at Watford. Personally, I never really saw him as a left midfielder, yet his performances were always solid and reliable. The stats when he played are quite remarkable. He chipped in with quite a few goals too. I wish Andrew well I just hope we do the double over Cardiff again!

I discovered while I was away that Kevin Thomson had got injured stumbling off a running machine. Bad luck had struck again affecting his ankle and the leg he first broke last August resulting in him been out for 12 weeks. He did great at the back end of last season and so it is such a shame, I wish him well with his operation. We should see him back by November!

Pre-Season is now well under away with players tweeting how tough it is. The first week was just pure solid running. The players were much happier about week two with the first sign of a ball and five a side games and then finally 11v11 matches. They will soon be playing some friendly matches out in Slovenia to get match fit.

It could be a big season for some of our young players. Luke Williams seems a forgotten one after breaking into the side when he was only 16. Luke, now 18, had a few months out injured last season after damaging ankle ligaments in Boro’s FA Youth Cup win against Doncaster. He a talented player who was back on the bench for our last game of the season (against Doncaster again) and I look forward to seeing him in action this season.

Richard Smallwood could cement his place in the first team this coming season and carry on his great performances. It will be good to see Jonathan Franks get a good run in the side. It has been a bit stop start for him recently. Cameron Park played the final home game in the middle of park and his versatility could be useful this season playing all across the midfield. Joe Bennett is another who will be looking forward to the new campaign having missed out on the final few games through illness. Adam Reach had a great debut coming on and scoring against Doncaster he will be hoping for more game time.

I know Boro have a couple players on trial let’s hope Tony can bring a few of his own players in to strengthen the side. You need big squads with the amount of games played in the Championship. It is a very demanding league with a lot of games packed into a short period of time.

I’ll write about the championship clubs and Boro’s chances a bit closer to start of the season once teams have taken shape. The next few weeks will no doubt see a lot of ins and outs at clubs.

After a summer of seeing some decent concerts and a nice holiday break abroad I’m looking forward to the new season. A full season ahead under Tony Mowbray watching good football. Bring it On!

Away to Burnley

What a nice day for a football game I thought travelling down for the game with glorious sunshine. We arrived at Turf Moor a new ground for me. As I went to see what my seat was like a few rows from the back quite with steep steps and wooden Seats, I sat down and looked at the pitch it reminded me of Hillsborough. Steep with pillars.

Kick-off was approaching and the teams came on to the pitch just in front of us the tunnel being at our end. Two changes from the team that played against Barnsley on Saturday out went Andrew Halliday and Andrew Davies and in came our captain Matthew Bates and Julio Arca.

We started with a 4-5-1 formation with Rhys Williams getting forward to support the attack when he could. It was Rhys who had Boro’s first chance when he volleyed from 20 yards out, just wide. It was a lively end to end start.

Careless passing from Arca resulted in Eagles causing us problems down the left, he cut inside and hit a shot from the edge of the box which was saved by Paul Smith to the left and round for a corner. From the corner Boro didn’t mark up properly and Rodriguez was unmarked in the box to tap home a low shot. Only a minute later more sloppy passing and another error, Tony McMahon losing possession for Burnley to quickly turn defence in to attack. Rodriguez ran forward with the ball, skipped past a challenge by McManus and played a pass through to Wade Elliott on the right. The defence was stretched, Wade carried the ball inside, got past Joe Bennett and smashed the ball high into the net to make it 2-0.

Jay Rodriguez and Chris Eagles were causing us real problems. Some of it was our own doing gifting the Burnley duo possession. Burnley continued pressing, McMahon brought down Eagles and was given a yellow card. More pressure from Burnley’s Rodriguez on the right, he won a corner off Joe Bennett. Fox took the corner, whipped it in to the box and Michael Duff was unmarked at the back post to head home.

What a disaster, 3 down after 37 mins too many players not marking up. Really poor goals to concede from our point of view. Rhys Williams had a few early 50-50 chances in the first half and McDonald had one just before the break. We went into the break 3-0 down.

The second half kicked off with the same team that started the game. Tony McMahon hit a freekick just over. Burnley continued to cross the ball dangerously in to our box. Mowbray decided to use all his subs at the 60 minute mark. Off came Robson, McMahon and Thompson who all had poor games. On came Kink, Smallwood and Lita. It meant another reshuffle with Boro going to a 4-4-2 and Rhys going to play at right back where he had a successful time during his loan spell at Turf Moor.

Leroy Lita wasted no time to get into the action, he latched onto the ball in the penalty area and shot just wide. Burnley were still causing us problems and coming close to increasing their lead. Rhys Williams was getting forward from right back, he looked our best threat through out the game. We were coming up to the last 10 mins when Rhys broke forward. Just outside the box he passed to Lita, picking up a return after making a dash just inside the box. Rhys picked up the return ball and cracked a shot that hit the post and came out to Taylor who hit it in the net. After the loud non-stop singing from the travelling Teesside army, at least we had something to cheer about.

Boro went close again a few minutes later, Arca and Smallwood combined well to find McDonald who hit a shot 25 yards out for the keeper to parry and get at the second attempt with Lita arriving.

Boro play was disrupted by Scott McDonald getting caught offside on numerous of occasions. It was Burnley who continued to look more dangerous, Rodiguez who was announced as Burnley man of match, scooped up a loose ball from a Boro attack but then hit over from 18 yards out.

It could easily have been double figures for Burnley; there was a late scare in stoppage time. Paul Smith’s sloppy clearance went straight to Cork who hit a volley from 30 yards but Smith got back in time to save and keep the score at 3-1.

It was great support all game from us Boro fans we never stopped chanting for our team. There was even a loud send off for our players as they passed us to go down the tunnel. Yet it was a poor game by many of our players. We must bounce back at Hull on Saturday. I would like to see Richard Smallwood start as he impressed when coming on tonight and against Barnsley on Saturday, he looks so comfortable in the middle of the park. It will be good to have Marvin Emnes back from his ban to add to our attack too.

Time to bounce back and get some good performances in ready for next season.

Published first on FMTTM Site

Home V Barnsley

Boro made five changes to the side that played Ipswich in midweek. Out went Seb Hines, Matthew Bates, Tarmo Kink, Julio Arca and Zemmama. In came Andrew Davies, Rhys Williams, Andrew Halliday, Barry Robson and Kevin Thomson. Some of the changes were forced with Seb Hines picking up a nasty double broken jaw injury. Credit to him for trying to carry on. (Brave defender) I wish him well with his recovery and it is now all about getting him ready for next season. The same applies to Zemmama who picked up a hamstring injury.

Barnsley started brightly and had plenty of procession. Boro were off the pace, not quick at closing the ball down. We were soon a goal down. We had plenty of warning signs with Barnsley having numerous attacks without having many direct chances and in particular Harewood was causing problems out wide using his strength. The opening goal came from a Marlon Harewood shot which was well saved by Paul Smith but he got a 2^nd chance to find the net which he did deflecting it off Andrew Davies and into the back of the net.

After so many changes due to injuries and Emnes 3 match ban we were limited up front. Young Andrew Halliday, the man of the moment had done so well in midweek against Ipswich, when he came off the bench and had a real impact scoring his first Middlesbrough goal and playing a big part in the other 2 Boro goals. Halliday started the game with our only fit forward Scott McDonald up front. It was difficult for them, they never stopped running working tirelessly chasing play down.

There were few chances in the first half, although Halliday went close when he lobbed the Barnsley keeper Luke Steele only for his effort to be cleared by Barnsley skipper Jason Shackell. At the other end, Barnsley were looking dangerous and looked like increasing their lead. Paul Smith saving from Harewood just before halftime meant we went in to the break 1-0 down. We needed to up the tempo 2^nd half and try get back in the game.

It was Thomson’s first start since Leeds United on New Years day. He played some nice passes at times but not surprisingly following his broken leg injury he pulled out of some 50/50 challenges. It’s all about him getting some minutes on the pitch and building his fitness and confidence up for next season.

Nice to see Willo Flood back in a Boro shirt after his injury in the opening game of the season, he was given a warm reception by the fans. He wasn’t on the pitch long when a moment of madness near the touch line saw McShane get his marching orders. Joe Bennett tried to restrain McShane but the madhead lost control letting fly with a flurry of punches and pushing Joe in to the advertising boards. Thomson got a yellow for his part in the flare up. Just before the chaos Tony was preparing a double substitution with Tarmo Kink and Richard Smallwood coming on.

Barnsley were now down to 10 men following the 18 man brawl which seemed to get the players and fans going. A couple minutes later and Tarmo Kink and Richard Smallwood finally got on the pitch replacing Barry Robson and Kevin Thomson who both need more games. Kink hadn’t been on the pitch long when he came close with a header just going over.

The equalising goal came from a cross on the right whipped in by Tarmo Kink who picked out Scott McDonald perfectly to head home past Luke Steele in the Barnsley goal. Nice to see Scott get a goal his work rate deserved, he regularly dropped back deep throughout the game, working tirelessly.

Also, I should mention Paul Smith, what a great loan signing he has been. I have always been wary with our loan signings of late not being a success. He made some great saves especially in the 2^nd half and we really should get the guy signed up! Another great performance and man of match display from Smith.

Good to see Richard Smallwood on the pitch for 20 minutes he really does look at home in the centre of midfield. I hope he starts against Burnley on Tuesday night.

We certainty were not at our best the pleasing thing is we have come back again, got a point and kept the run going. Looking forward to the trip to Turf Moor on Tuesday now. Up The Boro!

Published First on FMTTM Site

Home V Leicester City

Sven was back at the Riverside with his Leicester City side aiming to make a playoff place. The pressure was on for the Foxes to get a result after collecting only 4 points from the last 6 games. Last time Sven visited the Boro as Manchester City manager in the high scoring 8-1 end of season game. Would we see another high scoring game at the Riverside?

After Danny Graham’s scoring return for Watford in the previous home game another former Boro player was back at the Riverside, Yakubu providing a tough test for our players. We all know he is a handful with his strength, the forward used to do a fine job for us up front on his own. It seemed inevitable that the on loan striker would get on the score sheet.

In the Foxes line up was right back Kyle Naughton, one of our loan signings last season. He was in a head to head battle up against Joe Bennett who were both tweeting each other the night before with banter about the game.

Tony Mowbray was forced into a few changes, with Bailey failing a late fitness test and Robson missing out with a hamstring injury. The reshuffle of the team saw Rhys Williams move from defence to midfield and Hines and Davies back into the centre of defence. The engineroom was Taylor and Arca out wide and Rhys Williams, young Richard Smallwood in the centre of midfield.

Boro didn’t have the best of starts conceding in the 4th minute when Leicester crossed a freekick from the left. The ball came out to Wellens who drilled the ball in low from the right side of box and Yakubu converted a simple tap Boro guilty of not the best marking in the world.

The game was end to end and within 10 minutes we were back in the match following a great assist from Richard Smallwood. Good to see him get another start. Smallwood

did well to win procession near the centre circle, carried it a few yards and slotted a cracking pass through to Marvin Emnes who drilled low in to the net for a great finish!

The action continued to swing from box to box but with half time approaching, we would surely be going in level at the break or so I thought. Then in first half injury time Leicester won a corner on the Boro right, it was crossed over and headed back towards goal. It looked to me as if our on loan goal keeper Paul Smith was fouled by Yakubu and between Yakubu and Bamba the ball rebounded in. I expected the goal to be disallowed. It wasn’t and what a bad time to concede a goal, a real blow going in at half time a goal down.

The second half under way it didn’t take long for Leicester City to increase their lead. Within 3 mins of restart, Vassell lobbed the ball forward which beat the whole Boro defence and Yakubu only had Paul Smith to beat from 12 yards out. The ex Boro forward slotted it low right into the corner of net.

Boro were now 3-1 down and the way the game was going I felt there were more goals in the game, it was still end to end. I remembered that we had previously come back in the 2003/2004 Premier league season against Leicester in a 3-3 game when Ian Walker was in goal. We needed to score the next goal to have any chance of come back.

　

There were some good one two’s played on left between Joe Bennett and Rhys Williams. Rhys was bursting forward in his midfield role and this time played a one two with Arca, he controlled the ball flicked it up and volleyed it from 20 yards for a superb goal. Like his performances since his return from injury, Rhys is proving a top quality player who is versatile in different positions. Which opens up another debate where his best position is?

Only one goal away from a come back the fans really got behind the team as we attacked towards the North Stand. Zemmama came on for the young and impressive Smallwood who is settling in to the team well. Meanwhile, Kink replaced Taylor as we pressed for the equaliser. We got a freekick, Zemmama took it I thought it was in, so close. It hit the post. Then Arca took a shot from 20 yards out which was blocked by Bruma with his arm. The ref awarded a pen after the Boro fans had appealed for it.

Leicester were using every delaying tactic in the book and it seemed an age before Arca finally got to take the spot kick. Yakubu went over to the goalkeeper for a word probably to tell him which way to go from his time training with Boro. Arca stepped up, but it wasn’t a great pen, probably after too much thinking time it was hit to the right at a comfortable height for Weale the Leicester goal keeper. Bruma was still arguing his case about the pen and was giving his marching orders after receiving his 2^nd yellow card.

McManus came on for the last 20 minutes but he didn’t have to put up with Yakubu for long as he was subbed. Yak had put his weight and strength about all afternoon now it was time for us to push players forward. Hines went up front to add more height. Emnes and Hines combined in the box from a narrow angle Emnes hit the post the ball bounced back in to play and the Leicester goalkeeper Weale grabbed it.

It was getting close to full time were we going to regret missing those chances? The board went up with injury time to be played, 6 minutes time added on. We all roared them on, Come on Boro. Halfway through the allocated 6 minutes we won a corner. Just near where I was sitting in the North East Corner Tony McMahon came over to take the corner. A decent cross from Tony McMahon was met by McManus who got a great connection and hit it like a bullet. What a cracking header and great for McManus to get a goal after all that time out, it was especially frustrating hardly playing under Mowbray with that ankle injury.

Another goal feast for Sven and all at the Riverside, a thrilling entertaining game ending in a 3-3 draw! It had everything, the play was end to end, 6 goals, a pen and a sending off. This Boro team don’t give up and are not scared to have a shot. What a great come back from Boro. There is plenty of fight and character in this side Mogga is putting together. Up The Boro!

　

Home To QPR

　
　
FIRST GOAL THE WINNER

Claire Bowdler assesses Saturday’s 3-0 defeat by QPR from her seat in the north east corner.

Boro changed back to 4-4-2 after playing 5-3-2 last weekend away to Millwall gaining a great 3pts at an imitating ground, The Den. There was just one change for Boro with Emnes coming back in the side for Grounds.

An extra few thousand Boro fans made their way through the turnstiles to see top of the table QPR than our last home game via Swansea City. The fans seemed in fine voice as we kicked off and really up for what would be a big test. If only we had taken that Scott McDonald chance in the first minute of the game! A one on one with Paddy Kenny after his goal kick had landed at McDonald’s feet. Kenny saved, a big chance missed.

The first half was pretty even, not much in it as we restricted Taarabt to a few long range efforts. If anything we were starting to get on top when 5 minutes before half time QPR scored. Helguson’s shot looped off Davies and into the net which Steele could do nothing about. A really unlucky deflected goal, what a blow going in at the break, we certainly needed another inspiring Mowbray team talk like last week at The Den.

We kicked off the second half keeping the same team that started the game. QPR were passing it about for fun and we were chasing shadows at times. Boro huffed and puffed, struggling in the final 3rd to create and break the QPR defence down. We were finding it difficult and tried to get Bennett on the ball as often as we could to use his trickery to get through the QPR defence. It was time to change it, as it approached 60 minutes on came Robson and Zemmama for Emnes and Arca.

Lucky if the subs had been on the pitch 30 seconds and bang 2-0 to QPR, a Routledge cross finding Helguson to score from a free header. It was a poor goal to concede and we had a mountain to climb. Boro didn’t help themselves, even through I thought it was debatable whether it was inside or outside the box, Zemmama fouled Taarabt and the referee awarded them a pen. Up stepped Taarabt to take the penalty, he beat Steele and now the game was over 3-0 down at home to top of the league QPR.

We still had a few chances; Tony McMahon’s free kick was well saved and knocked behind for a corner kick. McDonald had a good chance cutting in from the right which he fired wide. It was a game where both sides didn’t create that many chances. I thought that 3-0 flattered QPR, a team certainly not at their best. However, what they do is effective, the defence dominated throughout, little got past Shittu and Hall. They got a bit of luck with the deflected goal which set them on their way and we never recovered.

QPR have got some great individual players who caused us and the whole championship problems. Taarabt and Routledge are exceptional attacking threats with pace in abundance. I just thought we didn’t help ourselves with high balls to our strikers Lita and McDonald not the tallest of players. QPR are up there on merit no question about it. I just wish we had tested Paddy Kenny a bit more, he had very little to do.

It was a disappointing 2nd half display; we must bounce back on Tuesday night against another strong championship side Nottingham Forest. We must get back to collecting points at Home.
 

Printed in FMTTM Fanzine v Nottingham Forest Tue 1 March 2011

Return Of Andrew Davies

Andrew Davies

It was announced last Friday we had signed Andrew Davies on loan til the end of the season. He rejoins the club for a 2^nd time. I remember him last time playing a lot of his games for us at Right Back which of course he did a decent job. I remember one goal he set up getting forward and crossing it over for Rochemback to score.

It’s not Andrew’s best position, I see him as an out and out Centre Back. He’s not had the best of times at Stoke. Not featuring in the first team squad and no reserve games. What’s that all about? Stoke don’t play reserve games. That’s a new one to me. When Tony Mowbray heard from Stoke that Davies was available. Tony wanted to see him train. Rightly so after very little football action in the last 18 months. With all the bad weather over December it was a frustrating time for Boro and Andrew as they mainly trained in doors.

Andrew managed to play in a reserve game before he was called back to Stoke as talks between the clubs broke down for what ever reason. The transfer Window passed and we played Swansea at home, we really missed our Captain Matthew Bates Experience at the back. It was a young back four and a few silly mistakes costed us that day and we left the Riverside empty handed.

I listened to the radio after the match and fans were slating the Defenders and Goal Keeper. Saying we need experience at the back. I agree with it to some extent. A talker at the back will help these young lads. The silly goals against Swansea that we give them due to individual errors will only help these young players become better players. You have to start somewhere and the youngsters are learning all the time. We were always going to miss Matthew Bates once Wheater left heavily relying on our skipper.

In comes Andrew straight into the team for game with Millwall. Set up with 5 at the back. Davies threw himself at everything, making vital blocks, headers and crunching tackles. A fine 2^nd debut!

All that frustration of not playing for so long all out the way and a great 3 pts for Boro at an intimidating Den, to make Millwall good home record come to an end. Get In! Andrew spoke after the game on radio, he comes across really down to earth lad, full of passion, commitment, determination to do well for this Club one he cares about. He can’t wait for the next game he’s Hungary and his experience will be vital in the coming weeks.

Welcome Back Andrew!

First Printed in FMTTM Fanzine v QPR Saturday 26 February 2011

Hey Joe

Joe was given his debut by Gareth Southgate away to West Ham in last game of the 2008/2009 Season. One that sealed our relegation from the Premier League. He was one of the bright spots on a miserable day. Franks was also given his debut at Upton Park. Mixed emotions for the youngsters that day.

The young left back got a taste of first team action last season under the previous managers and at one stage wanted a loan move as he was frustrated and down under the previous manager. Tony Mowbray give him a new lease of life give him confidence and belief to go out and enjoy his football.

Joe recently agreed a long contract deal with the club and this week was called up to the Under 21 Squad to play Italy. Joe was given his England U21 debut and played the full game. I seen bits of the game and commentators Ben Andrews and Jason Cundy mentioned in commentary Tidy play by Joe and quick feet quite a lot. He had a good game but couldn’t help England avoid defeat as Ben Mee conceded a late pen and got sent off. Man United Macheda put away the pen to give Italy a one nil win.

Joe got a huge future if he keeps progressing. Quick Feet to take people out the game, looks composed on the ball. Set up an assist for Boyd at Scunthorpe with a good run and link up play with Arca and McDonald. Got a lot still to learn defensively at times that will come with more games and listening to coaches to improve on his mistakes. Will help him that his England U21 Manager Stuart Pearce played at Left back. First of many U21caps I think.

Let’s hope for more mazy runs and assists from Joe in 2^nd half of the season and even a goal would be nice. If it’s anything like the run and step overs to beat players at leeds then certainty be up there for goal of the season.

Finally good news that the club signed a lot of the academy players on longer term deals. Let’s hope we have learned from letting our academy contracts run out and get littler fees and keep our local talent.

Printed in FMTTM Fanzine V Swansea Saturday 12 February 2011