Boro Keep On Winning

Middlesbrough are finally setting the records straight against their so called boggy team this season. After shaking off their away hoodoos at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest they have finally conquered the challenge of Leeds, a side they had beaten just once in their last seven meetings.

David Nugent celebrates scoring Boro's opener

In the end it was comfortable as Boro solidified a place in the Championship’s top two with a 3-0 victory. It’s a result which moves them five points clear of third place Reading and just a point behind league leaders Brighton.

The most satisfying thing for manager Aitor Karanka is that the goals which are coming at a premium. Boro are now the highest scorers in the division with 17 goals add that to a defence which conceded the least amount of goals last season and you’re left with a winning combination.

Upfront David Nugent has become a quality asset who is prepared to work his socks off and chase down lost causes. It was his goal after three minutes which opened the scoring here, before Leeds defender Giuseppe Bellusci scored an own goal and visiting captain Sol Bamba slipped and allowed Diego Fabbrini to add a third nine minutes from time.

In all honesty 3-0 probably flattered a Boro side who weren’t as free flowing and dominant as the score line suggests. In fact it was the centre backs Daniel Ayala and Fernando Amorebieta plus holding midfielder Adam Clayton who really impressed, as the hosts spent a majority of the second half defending their lead.

Leeds manager Uwe expressed his frustration after the game following Mirco Antenucci disallowed goal when the score was 2-0.  "It was the turning point in the game. You can't even be sure watching on TV” said the Leeds boss after the game.

Leeds made five changes from their victory over MK Dons last weekend as Chris Wood, Sam Byram, Luke Murphy, Scott Wootton and Liam Cooper missed out. Their replacements included Tom Adeyemi in midfield with Bellusci and Gaetano Berardi starting in defence. There was a debut for new signing Jordan Botaka while Antenucci started upfront.

After a Capital One victory over Wolves in mid-week Karanka made a number of changes to his side, however there were only two alterations from their last league meeting at Nottingham Forest.  Tomas Kalas replaced Emilio Nsue at right back and Amorebieta came in for Ben Gibson at centre half.

The stage was set thanks to a bumper crowd of 27,694 of that 2,652 made the trip from Leeds to generate an animated atmosphere. But it was Boro who sent the home fans into raptures after just three minutes.

Christian Stuani, who like at Forest started on the right, made an offensive run down the channel where he twisted and turned leaving full back Charlie Taylor in knots. When the Uruguayan did deliver the cross it was accurate and true. It found Nugent in the middle and with Leeds defenders around him the striker turned unchallenged and riffled the ball into the top of the net.

Boro had started with intensity and prowess and nearly doubled their lead seven minutes later. Albert Adomah charged down the left before delivering a teasing cross which took a huge deflection towards goal off Bamba. However the Leeds captain was saved from any blushes due to a spectacular save from keeper Marco Silvestri who palmed the ball to safety.

Bamba may have avoided the embarrassment of an own goal but the same couldn’t be said for his centre back partner Bellusci on 32 minutes. Once again the service came from the left, this time from George Friend, and was met by the Italian defender who turned the ball into his own net with an outstretched diving header.

The visitors had threatened to draw level before that point with the best chance falling to Antenucci on 18 minutes. But after neat move the forward’s shot was tame and straight at Dimi Konstantopulos.

The game had to be stopped when Leeds midfielder Alex Mowatt collided with Amorebieta and needed treatment for a head injury. He returned with a bandage around his head and appeared more determined to score, however his low shot from distance bobbled wide.  

The hosts nearly added a third before half time when Stuani attempted an audacious overhead kick which sailed over. The Uruguayan then turned provider when he nearly set up Adomah after the break, the forward was then replaced minutes later following his yellow card in the first half.

Leeds began to see more and more of the ball as Boro allowed themselves to be pinned back inside their own half. Once again it was Mowatt who looked the most likely to score, his free kick after 52 minutes was veering towards the top corner before Konstantopulos clawed it out.

Then came the moment of controversy. Beradi’s shot was deflected kindly into Antenucci’s path and the striker tucked the ball beyond Kontantopulos prompting celebrations from the Leeds fans. The linesman’s flag wasn’t initially raised but after a discussion with the referee the goal was chalked off.

Boro continued to do the majority of the defending while Nugent working tirelessly upfront on his own. With nine minutes to go they were rewarded when Bamba hesitated on the ball and slipped allowing substitute Diego Fabbrini capitalise. After rounding the keeper the Italian added a third goal for his side meaning Boro have won their last seven games in all competitions.   

Player Ratings

Dimi Konstantopulos   7.5- Very dependable and had to make a couple of good saves

Tomas Kalas   7.5- Disciplined at right back and saw out his defensive duties very well

Daniel Ayala   8- Won header after header in the first half as he dominated in the air

Fernando Amorebieta   8- Dominated at the back and read the game well, on this form he could become a regular

George Friend   6.5- Gave the ball away a couple of times, a little off his usual high standards

Adam Clayton   8- Shielded the back four excellently and broke up play in the middle of the park

Grant Leadbitter   6- Far from his best game in a Boro shirt, gave away position on a couple of occasions

Albert Adomah   7- Looked dangerous on the left in the first half but faded a little after the break

Christian Stuani   6.5- Started well, put a shift in and provided a good cross for the opener, subbed after half time following his booking

Stewart Downing   6- Struggled to have a major impact playing behind the striker, before he was moved to the left

David Nugent   8- Worked tirelessly upfront after scoring the opener. Chased lost cause after lost cause

Subs

Diego Fabbrini   6- Offered Nugent little support after coming on, but took his goal very well

Emilio Nsue – Came on with 14 minutes to go, not enough time to give a fair rating

Adam Forshaw- Came on with 4 minutes to go, not enough time to give a fair rating

My Boro Man Of The Match: Daniel Ayala

  

Middlesbrough v Leeds Preview

Last season Leeds did the double over Middlesbrough, winning by a goal to nil at both Eland Road and the Riverside. Some may say those six points dropped by Aitor Karanka’s side eventually cost them a place in Premier League, after they fell four points short of a top two position. Boro may have missed out on promotion via the play-offs, but have since started this season in red hot form and come in to this match of the back of six straight wins in all competitions. In contrast Leeds have made a sure but steady start under new manager Uwe Rosler drawing five of their eight games, of which they have only lost one.   

Team News

Striker Christian Stuani and defender Daniel Ayala both missed Boro’s 3-0 victory over Wolves in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday and according to Middlesbrough’s Evening Gazette the pair are doubtful for today’s game. Adam Forshaw and debutant Carlos De Pena were among the players who impressed in mid-week, however they are likely to drop back down to the bench. Winger Adam Reach will be unavailable after signing for Preston on a three-month loan deal.

Rosler, who has lost just one game since his appointment in May, has no new injury concerns following his side’s 2-1 victory over MK Dons last weekend. 22 year old forward Jordan Botaka could make his debut after signing for the club on transfer deadline day from Dutch side S.B.V. Excelsior. Right back Sam Byram may feature but according to Sky Sports refused to sign a new deal at the club earlier this week.

Facts and Stats

Leeds striker Chris Wood has scored in his last three games away games.

Boro have won just one of their last seven matches against Leeds, which came in 2013 when Curtis Main scored the only goal of the game.

When the sides met at the Riverside last season Boro had 14 shots and 18 corners but still lost the game 1-0 after Alex Mowatt’s 3^rd minute goal.

Key Players

 Middlesbrough striker David Nugent

Boro’s Key

David Nugent – Ever since their relegation from the Premier League six years ago Boro have needed an effective goal scoring centre forward who can play upfront on his own. In David Nugent they may have finally found the answer. The former Leicester striker, who scored 20 goals in the division two years ago, already has two this campaign and has shown his ability to haste defenders and make intelligent runs into the channels. Last season Aitor Karanka’s team dominated the game at the Riverside but just couldn’t score, so all eyes will be on the Boro forwards this time around

One To Watch

Leeds defender Sol Bamba

Sol Bamba

In this fixture last season centre back Sol Bamba produced one of the performances of his career. Bamba, who was on loan from Palermo last season, signed for the Yorkshire club permanently   this summer and has become key figure in Leeds’ backline, hence the decision to make him captain. In recent fixtures teams have been happy to come to the Riverside and pack men behind the ball, if that is the case the Leeds defence and especially Bamba will have to be on form.

Form

Middlesbrough

Wolves 3-0 W (Capital One Cup)

Nottingham Forest 1-2 W

Brentford 3-1 W

MK Dons 2-0 W

Sheffield Wednesday 1-3 W

Leeds

MK Dons 1-2 W

Ipswich 0-1 L

Brentford 1-1 D

Derby 1-2 W

Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 D

Prediction

Middlesbrough 2 Leeds 1

Leeds have been a bogey team for Boro in recent seasons and as a Boro fan I have become very wary of the threat they pose. In the two tight meetings between the sides last season Leeds raised their game in front of the Sky cameras and I expect this matchup to be similarly close with neither side wanting to lose. Even so Boro are in great form and there should be a decent crowd at the Riverside so I’m hoping they’ll nick it this time.     

Boro Beat Wolves To Advance To Round Four

Middlesbrough    3        Wolves    0

                                 Adomah  37 64

                                     Fabbrini  57

Less than a month ago Albert Adomah stood  on the brink of leaving Middlesbrough after handing in a unforeseen transfer request, but turn the clock forward a couple of weeks and things couldn’t be better for Boro’s Ghanaian winger who has returned to the frame at the top of his game.

Albert Adomah after two goals and one assist 

Adomah was the match winger as Boro brushed aside Wolves in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night to record their sixth straight victory in all competitions. Two goals either side of an assist for Diego Fabbrini rounded off a professional and astute performance from Adomah and his team mates, that was after Boro manager Aitor Karanka made seven changes from the side which beat Nottingham Forest in the league on Saturday.

The score line alone suggests that some took their opportunity, not least midfielder Adam Forshaw who was a strong contender for man of the match due to his slick passing and shrewd tackles. Then there was debutant Carlos De Pena, the Uruguayan winger who signed on transfer deadline day, whose crosses from the left led to both of Adomah’s goals.

In fairness this was a different Wolves team which started the 0-0 with Brighton last weekend, as manager Kenny Jackett promoted a number of his substitutes from that game into the starting line-up. He made nine changes in total, leaving out strikers Benick Afobe and Adam Le Fondre who only came on when the game was as good as won.

Along with Forshaw and De Pena, Karanka also called upon the likes of Fernando Amoriabieta and Tomas Kalas in defence and Tomas Mejias in goal, while Diego Fabbrini started behind Kike in attack. David Nugent and Stewart Downing dropped down to the bench while Christian Stuani was rested altogether. Overall it was a good indication of the strength in depth Boro now possess.  

Even so the opening exchanges held little quality and the passing was, at best, mediocre from both sides. De Pena had spent the majority of the opening twenty minutes of the fringes of proceedings but after twenty-two minutes he swung a low left footed cross into the box which Wolves keeper Carl Ikeme, who was on loan at Boro a couple of years ago, had to smother.

It was a similar move which led to Boro’s opener when De Pena was once again allowed too much time on the ball and time to deliver a cross. Adomah may have been the intended target, but it took an intervention from Wolves defender Ethan Ebanks-Landell before it finally reached him.

Ebanks-Landell who is beginning to make an impression in the Wolves first team, after spending last season on loan at Bury, should have done better when the cross bounced his shin and allowed Adomah to pounce. Alert to the situation the Boro winger took his opportunity with both hands and calmly slotted the ball past Ikeme.

In truth that was the only noteworthy chance in what was a low key first half, minutes earlier a Grant Leadbitter corner was deflected just wide before Kike fired an effort the wrong side of the post from a tight angle.

It could even have been said that Boro’s finishing was clinical, which hasn’t always been the case in recent seasons. By the end of the evening they had recorded four shots on target and three had found the back of the net.

There was a visible difference after half time as the hosts began to move through the gears. Leadbitter and Forshaw advanced a couple of yards up the pitch in midfield and the passing was slicker and sharper all-round.

The second goal came on 57 minutes when Adomah turned provider. After some patient build up play on the right he skimmed a low cross into the box, where Kike fooled a number of defenders by pulling off a clever dummy. That provided space for Fabbrini, who was waiting patiently behind him, and when the ball finally came the Italian made no mistake when side footing it past Ikeme.

Jackett’s response was to release strikers Afobe and Le Fondre, but within minutes of doing so his side fell further behind. Just like the first goal it was De Pena who delivered the cross from the left and a deflection brought it into the path of Adomah. He then had time to take a touch before lashing the ball into the far corner.

At the other end Mejias had spectated most of the game like the 13,000 fans inside the Riverside, his only genuine save came when he comfortably held Kevin McDonald’s long range effort. The 300 or so Wolves fans were at least trying to enjoy themselves, singing “we’re gonna win 4-3” but it was the hosts who nearly added a fourth.

With three minutes remaining Fabbrini hit a crashing left foot shot towards the top left corner which Ikeme did well to tip onto the post and keep to score down at three. 

Player Ratings

Tomas Mejias   6- Handling was good but had little to do all game

Emilio Nsue   6- Good going forward but gave away possession away a couple of times in the first half

Fernando Amorebieta   7- Commanded the defence well and was comfortable on the ball

Tomas Kalas   6- Moved back to centre half but wasn’t given a stern test

George Friend   6- Took off for precautions after picking up a booking in the first half

Grant Leadbitter   7- Kept thing ticking in midfield and made tackles when he had too  

Adam Forshaw   8- comfortable on the ball, rarely gave away possession and tracked back when required

Albert Adomah   8- Two goals, one assist and a match winning performance  

Carlos De Pena   7- Quiet early on but delivered a couple of decent crosses which led to goals

Diego Fabbrini   7- Picked up some good positions in and around the edge of the box, nearly had two goals to his name

Kike   6.5- Quite a frustrating evening as he struggled to get involved upfront

Subs

Adam Clayton   6- Replaced Leadbitter with over 20 minutes to go, added fresh legs in midfield

Jack Stephens - Replaced Friend with 15 minutes to go and was moved to centre back, not enough time to give a fair rating

Adam Reach- Came on with 12 minutes to go, not enough time to give a fair rating

My Boro Man Of The Match: Albert Adomah

Five Things We Learnt From Nottingham Forest v Middlesbrough

Nottingham Forest    1        Middlesbrough    2

                               Mills  7                                                      Nugent  3   Ayala  32                                       

Middlesbrough hadn’t won at the City Ground since 1999 when current Nottingham Forest boss Dougie Freedman was a player for the side he has gone on to manage. Back then Freeman, a striker in his time, got on the score sheet for Forest before they were beaten 2-1 by Bryan Robson’s Boro side and it was a similar story when the two sides met this weekend.

Boro’s odds of winning the division had been drastically shorten with many bookmakers following a mid-week victory over Brentford, a result which also marked their third victory in a row. Against Forest they notched their winning tally up to four in succession after an action packed Championship fixture.

After just three minutes David Nugent netted his second goal for his new club since his arrival in the summer, however three minutes later the hosts were level courtesy of a lethal finish from centre back Matt Mills. Daniel Ayala’s header before the break restored the visitor’s lead, but the drama didn’t stop there. With twelve minutes to go Ben Gibson handled the ball in the penalty area, providing Henri Lansbury the chance to equalise from the spot. However it was Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopulos who emerged as the hero as he saved the ball with his legs to keep the score at 2-1.

1.                   Dimi Can Put His Troubles Behind Him

Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopulos saving a late penalty 

Against Brentford in mid-week Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopulos made a costly error which led to an opposition equaliser before Boro went on to win the game. But this weekend the Greek goalkeeper quickly put his troubles behind him to produce a man of the match performance which won Boro the game. With his side leading 2-1 Konstantopulos made a series of impressive saves and denied Henri Lansbury from the penalty spot as Boro hung on to record their fourth win in a row. 

2.                   Nugent Could Be The Missing Piece In The Jigsaw?    

Ever since their relegation from the Premier League Boro have craved for an effective centre forward who can make an impact and score goals. The likes of Lukas Jutekiewitz, Ishmael Miller and Danny Graham have all played as a lone striker and have all come and gone with limited success. But at last Boro may have found the answer. Nugent scored his second goal of the season on Saturday and looks like he may be the man to replace the goals scored by Patrick Bamford last season. Nugent, who scored 20 goals for Leicester in the Championship two years ago, hassled and harried the Forest defence all afternoon and played a big part in the victory.

3.                   Boro Are A Force Away From Home   

Last season Boro lost just three games at home, but it was their away form which let them down and ultimately cost them promotion. This campaign they have already won on the road at Forest and at Sheffield Wednesday where they were beaten last season. Similar results away from the Riverside will help sustain a strong promotion challenge.     

4.                   Corner Troubles

Boro conceded the least amount of goals in the league last season, however on Saturday their often stern defence appeared a little more vulnerable than usual, especially from corners. No one picked up Matt Mills when he scored Forest’s equaliser and there were other occasions when opposition players were left unmarked. It’s something manager Aitor Karanka will have to address.

    

5.                   Favourites Rise To Occasion

The cameras were on Boro in Sky Sports’ lunch time kick-off in a week were they were made clear favourites with the bookmakers to win the league. However Karanka’s side were unfazed and recorded their fourth victory in a row, beating a Forest side who were also in good form after winning their last two games.

Thorn In The Side

Chris O'Grady

Forest's Chris O'Grady and Boro's Daniel Ayala

The Forest striker, on loan from Brighton, was a constant threat to Boro’s backline using his strength and good hold up play to win free kicks in dangerous positions. He also pressurised Ben Gibson into handling the ball which resulted in a penalty.

Boro’s Best

Dimi Konstantopulos (Man Of The Match)

Boro's Dimi Konstantopulos

The Boro keeper made a series of top saves in the second half to keep his side in front. He became the match winner with twelve minutes to go by saving Henri Lansbury’s penalty which would have swung the momentum.

Nottingham Forest v Middlesbrough Preview

All was well at the Riverside on Tuesday night as Middlesbrough recorded their third victory in a row with 3-1 home win over Brentford. Just a week after handing in an unforeseen transfer request, chirpy winger Albert Adomah scored his first goal since last season’s play-off semi-final in May before emitting a huge hug of gratitude towards his manager Aitor Karanka, who had earlier expressed their were “no issues” between them. There were also two goals for new signing Christian Stuani who notched his goal tally up to five for the season following his arrival from Espanyol this summer, as Boro moved up to second in the table after seven games. But after two games in the space of four days Karanka’s side will take to the field again, this time away from home, in Sky Sports’ lunch time kick-off when they take on a Nottingham Forest side who have also won their last two games. 

Team News

Centre back Ben Gibson could return for Boro after missing the mid-week victory over Benetford with a hamstring injury. Adomah could make his first start since handing in a much talked about transfer request, however he will face competition from the likes of Christian Stuani who started on the right in mi-week and scored two goals.

After winning 1-0 away at Birmingham on Tuesday, Forrest could give a debut to new loan signing Jonathan Williams who signed from Crystal Palace last week. Ryan Mendes, David Vaughan and striker Chris O'Grady were all rested in mid-week so could return, manager Dougie Freedman will have to decide whether forward Dexter Blackstock should keep his place after scoring the winner last time out.

Facts and Stats

Boro haven’t won at the City ground since their relegation from the Premier League back in 2009, since then they have played there six times in the league and haven’t taken three point in any of the meetings, which include  four defeats and three draws.

“Boro's Cristhian Stuani has the best minutes-to-goal ratio of any player with three or more goals, scoring a goal every 81 minutes”. (BBC Sport)

“Only Reading (86) have had more shots than Forest this season (84), excluding blocked efforts”. (BBC Sport)

Key Players

Boro's Key

Daniel Ayala

Boro's Daniel Ayala

Over the past year Daniel Ayala has become one of, if not the best, centre back in the division. Commanding in the air, good on the ball and he even adds the occasional goal as well. Last season Boro conceded the least amount of goals in the league and that is the same story after seven games this campaign. Away from home, against an in form Forest side, it will be important for Boro to remain resolute at the back meaning Ayala will have to play a key role in this fixture.

One To Watch

Henri Lansbury

Forest's Henri Lansbury

Forest lost talismanic winger Michael Antonio to West Ham this summer, but since then they have won two games out of two and according to Nottingham post “Forest look stronger and less one-dimensional without him”. One reason for that is midfielder Henri Lansbury, who has become an integral member of the squad over the past three seasons. Lansbury is naturally good on the ball and will have to be on his game to compete with the robust duo of Grant Leadbitter and Adam Clayton in the Boro midfield.    

Form

Nottingham Forest

Birmingham City 0-1 W

QPR 1-2 W

Cardiff City 1-2 L

Bolton Wanderers 0-0 D

Charlton Athletic 0-0 D

Middlesbrough

Brentford 3-1 W

MK Dons 2-0 W

Sheffield Wednesday 1-3 W

Burton Albion 1-2 W (Capital One Cup)

Bristol City 0-1 L

Prediction

Nottingham Forest 1   Middlesbrough 1

This is a match between two sides who have kept things tight at the back this season and both come into the game in good form. Boro have started to score goals with the likes of Stuani, Downing and Nugent finding form but I think home advantage will play a part and a tight game could end in a draw.

Boro Finally Break Down Dons

Stewart Downing raised a few eyebrows when he dropped down a division to return to his home town club. His transfer from West Ham to Middlesbrough was viewed by many as one of the deals of the window and this afternoon he showed just why.

A swish of his iconic left foot proved the difference as Boro moved up to third in the table after beating newly promoted MK Dons by two goals to nil. Little over 70 minutes had passed when Downing eventually broke the deadlock with a rare moment of quality. Once the visitors defence had finally been breached David Nugent added a second to avert a potentially frustrating afternoon.

Stewart Downing celebrates his first goal since his return to Boro

Boro may have monopolised possession but created few clear cut chances, at times their passing appeared pedestrian and ponderous as the visitors sat deep while trying to startle on the counter attack.

Things could have been different if Dons substitute Simon Church’s deft chip over Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopulos had found the back of the net rather than the inside of the post. With the game still   locked at 0-0 it could have drastically altered the outcome.

Just as Bristol City did a couple of weeks ago The Dons’ defended in numbers and were set up to frustrate, it is becoming something of a theme when teams visit the Riverside. A point away from home would have a welcomed reward for Carl Robinson’s side and that was made clear by the way keeper David Martin wasted time at every opportunity.

In the end it took a moment of brilliance from Downing to bail Boro out and manager Aitor Karanka admitted his side “had to be patient” for the victory.

“I told them at half time it would be difficult because they were organised and we had to have passion and confidence. People could have been nervous with the way it was going and I told them to keep calm and play the way we could play and we could score goals.” Said the Boro boss.

“We will have more games like today but we have good players and we can play the same way we did against Sheffield and Bolton. We have a strong group and we know each game will be difficult.”

Karanka’s team selection showed two changes from the side which beat Sheffield Wednesday before the international break. Nugent replaced Kike as the lone striker in Boro’s trademark 4-2-3-1 formation while Tomas Kalas came in for Emilio Nsue. Albert Adomah didn’t even make the bench.

Dons also made two alterations from their last match, a 2-0 defeat to Birmingham as Daniel Powell and Josh Murphy started in place of Darren Potter and Rob Hall.

In the first ever meeting between the two sides, Boro knew they had to try and strike early to prevent the visitors from settling. With just four minutes gone Grant Leadbitter slipped a forward pass through to George Friend whose shot was saved by Martin; however the full back had stayed offside meaning a goal wouldn’t have counted.

Ten minutes later the Dons keeper was forced into making a legitimate save when Downing’s cross from right to left picked out Reach in the box. With defenders closing in on him the Boro winger had to act quickly to execute any type of shot, in the end he made a decent connection but his effort was a comfortable height for the keeper.

Martin was kept busy as he tipped Leadbitter’s fizzing shot wide of the post before making a low save at his near post to deny Adam Reach. Boro also went close when a diverse corner was swung out to the edge of the box before being hooked back towards goal; however the Dons defence withheld the pressure.

Karanka was forced to make an early change after half time when Ben Gibson made way with an injury and was replaced by Fernando Amorebieta. At that point the home fans could have been forgiven for thinking it was going to be one of those days, after an opening 45 minutes where the passing had been slow and often directed sideways.

On 58 minutes the unthinkable almost happened. Boro’s defence was caught napping and Church was suddenly released through on goal, but with just the keeper to beat he chipped the ball onto the post to let the hosts off the hook.

Karanka introduced Uruguayan forward Christain Stuani to Boro’s attack and he nearly made an immediate impact when he flicked Downing’s corner inches over the cross bar.

After 70 anxious minutes the break through finally came. With space to run into, Downing defiantly charged down the right before cutting inside onto his prized left foot. His curling shot nestled into the far corner leaving Martin no chance, minutes later the chants of “Stewart Downing he’s one of our own” echoed around the Riverside.

Now chasing the game, Dons quickly increased their tempo and that left gaps at the back. Nugent had roamed around with little success but capitalised on an error from Dons defender Kyle Mcfadzean who gave away possession. When the ball was played back towards goal, Nugent swiftly advanced to a one v one showdown against the keeper and slotted the ball home to mark his first Boro goal.  

Player Ratings

Dimi Konstantopulos   6- Only had a couple of routine saves to make

George Friend   6- Got forward to support attack but often lacked an end product

Daniel Ayala   6- Wasn’t asked too many questions at the back

Ben Gibson   6- Came off after half time with an injury

Tomas Kalas   6.5- Put a few decent crosses into the box which lacked a good finish

Grant Leadbitter   6.5- Gave a couple of passes away early on but improved as the match went on

Adam Clayton   6- Almost got caught out in his own half a couple of times but kept battling in midfield

Adam Reach   6- Had a few efforts but often had a number of defenders for company

Stewart Downing   7.5- Looked like the player who could make something happen and did with a great goal

Diego Fabbrini   6- Got into some good area but was usually surrounded by defenders

David Nugent   6- Persisted around the penalty area and eventually got his goal

Subs

Fernando Amorebieta   6- Replaced Gibson in the second half

Christian Stuani   6- Almost scored with one of his first touches

Adam Forshaw – Only on for the last 7 minutes can’t give a fair rating

My Boro Man Of The Match: Stewart Downing

Middlesbrough v MK Dons Preview

It will have been three weeks since Boro’s last Riverside outing when they take on MK Dons in tomorrow’s 3:00pm kick off. A shock defeat to Bristol City in the middle of April was the last match Aitor Karanka’s side played on home turf before the recent international break and the Boro boss will be hoping to rediscover last season’s impeccable form at the Riverside, where Boro lost just three times last campaign. Victory at Sheffield Wednesday a fortnight ago means that after just five games Boro sit sixth in the table with eight points. That’s one point better off than their opponents from Milton Keynes who have made an admirable start to the season since their promotion from League One which has included two wins, two losses and one draw.

Team News

Boro have no new injury concerns to report however a couple of players were called up to their national teams during the break. Christian Stuani travelled to South America to play in Uruguay’s two friendlies against Costa Rica and Panama, in which he scored the only goal, so may be rested. Emilio Nsue has been in Africa playing for Equatorial Guinea while Tomas Kalas was an unused substitute for the Czech Republic. All eyes will be on winger Albert Adomah who according to numerous sources, including Middlesbrough’s Evening Gazette, handed in a transfer request last month. However further reports this week have said that the Ghanaian winger has returned to training.

Earlier this week Dons manager Karl Robinson said that he was “shocked” by the amount of money the club has received since their promotion to the Championship. Dons have made 11 new signings since last term and will hope to use a few this weekend. However the visitors do have a number of injuries ahead of tomorrow’s clash, midfielder regular Darren Potter will be out for four to six weeks with a knee injury, while new signing Cody Cropper and Dale Jennings are also missing with knee related issues. Robinson will also be without playmaker Ben Reeves, who has a hamstring injury, and long term absentees Joe Walsh (knee) and Mark Randall (pelvis).

Facts and Stats

This will be the first ever meeting between the two sides who have never met in any previous competitions.

Karl Robinson is the longest serving manager in the Championship, having been in charge for 5 years and 122 days. He is still one of the youngest managers at just 34 years old.

Key Players

Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing 

Boro's Key

Stewart Downing

Karanka has shown that he is a manager who likes to chop and change his side, even so new signing Stewart Downing has shown that he will always be one of the first names on the team sheet. Downing has started all five league games since his return to his home town club but is still yet to score. Even so the former England international has created frequent chances and displayed some energetic performances on the left side of midfield, while adding valuable experience to the squad.   

One To Watch

Carl Baker

MK Dons midfielder Carl Baker

32 year old winger Carl Baker is The Dons’ top scorer with three league goals this season; he also played a part in their promotion from League One last season after he was released by Coventry just over a year ago. Baker already has experience in the Championship but will have to demonstrate both his attacking and defensive qualities tomorrow. As well as providing a goal threat he may have to occupy Boro full back George Friend who likes to push forward when to opportunity arises.  

Form

Middlesbrough

Sheffield Wednesday 1-3 W

Burton Albion 1-2 W (Capital One Cup)

Bristol City 0-1 L

Derby County 1-1 D

Bolton Wanderers 3-0 W

MK Dons

Birmingham 0-2 L

Cardiff 2-1 W (Capital One Cup)

Reading 0-0 D

Bolton Wanderers 1-0 W

Preston NE 0-1 L

Prediction

Middlesbrough 3 MK Dons 1

Dons were the top scorers in League One last season with 101 goals so they should be prepared to have a decent go. Karanka will have to choose who he selects upfront with Kike, David Nugent and Christain Stuani all keen to start, in truth it’s not a bad dilemma to have and I expect Boro to be too strong for the visitors at the Riverside.    

Boro’s International Round Up

As the cliché goes “A week is a long time in football” and it feels an eternity since a Middlesbrough player last kicked a ball in the SkyBet Championship.

It’s been nearly two weeks since Aitor Karanka’s side recorded an impressive away victory at Sheffield Wednesday and well over a fortnight since their last outing at the Riverside where they suffered a shock defeat at the hands of newly promoted Bristol City.  

    

Boro's Christian Stuani playing for Uruguay 

Since then many of the squad have had time to reflect on the first five league games of the season, in a week which has seen England qualify for next summer’s European Championships. But for some the last few days have been very busy indeed, after seven Boro players were involved on the International scene.

Uruguayan striker Christian Stuani, who scored his first league goal against Wednesday in August, was on the score sheet again as his nation beat Panama 1-0 in a friendly on Friday. He was then used as a second half substitute in last night’s 1-0 friendly defeat to Costa Rica in San Jose where former Fulham playmaker Bryan Ruiz scored the only goal.

Elsewhere Emilo Nsue was part of an Equatorial Guinea side which were unexpectedly beaten 1-0 by South Sudan who recoded their first ever win in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Tomas Kalas was an unused substitute in both of Czech Republic’s Euro qualifying games, in which they recorded 2-1 victories over Latvia and Kazakhstan to reach next year’s finals.

It was a similar situation for fellow defenders Jack Stephens and Dael Fry who were also unused subs for the England Under 21’s and Under 19’s sides respectively.

Bryn Morris captained the England Under 20’s side which lost 1-0 to the Czech Republic while Lewis Maloney was a second half substitute in Northern Ireland’s Under 21’s European Champion qualifier again Scotland which they lost 2-1 before playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 drew away in Iceland.