Saturday, January 21, 2006
Boro 5 Nuneaton 2
Following Highbury the fans turned out in numbers for this one, creating one of the best home atmospheres of the season. Of course they were calling for seven to regain a little balance in the footballing universe, and, as the boss merrily quipped, they got seven. Unfortunately it is no laughing matter to concede two goals to players who don't even consider football their first job! Hats off to Nuneaton they were terrific ambassadors for the game and left the Riverside with deserved pride, especially Gez Murphy who scored all 3 goals for them over the 2 ties. They were surely the moral winners on the day.At 5-0 it looked good again for Boro, with Mendieta, Yakubu and Viduka all looking a class above, and the young defense holding their own with confidence. Albeit against inexperienced non-leaguers there were some lovely goals in the 5, with the Yak especially looking hungry to prove the point. To me this proves that there is nothing wrong with our attack, all our problems lie in midfield and defense, probably the former more than the latter. Doriva has done well this season for the most part but his age and stature prevent him being a truly commanding midfielder and the return of Ray Parlour is most welcome although not a breathtaking solution. And as for the major disappointment of Fabio Rochemback - at the moment he just isn't demonstrating the form of a premiership player.
It is a crucial time of the season. A win on Saturday against Wigan is absolutely vital - without it we may stay in the bottom five for the remainder of the season, with it we at least have a chance to drag ourselves back into mid-table respectability. There is a lot of housekeeping to be done and it is time to get to work.
My MOTM: Mendita was involved in every positive move and gets the vote.
