But then Josh Windass puts a free kick (carelessly given away in a dangerous position) into the Boro net. So it's now 1-1. We really could have done with that second goal!
Strelec makes it 2-2. This is looking "interesting" irrespective of what is happening elsewhere. It would be helpful to go into the Play-Offs on a wave of good form (or even just good results).
Strelec bags the equaliser in the 43rd minute, assisted by Targett!
This game looks all academic now with QPR needing to score 3 to prevent Ipswich finishing above Boro but Wrexham are desperate to win but Boro look to be playing within themselves and have made a number of errors in defence. Still it's looking like Southampton in the play-offs unless Oxford get an equaliser - but would you want to play nemesis Derby instead?
Looks like McGree coming in second half as Hellberg was having a chat with him and told him to warm uP
OFB
Am I alone in being disappointed that we are making hard work of it against an average side; having scored early we failed to kick on and have been sloppy at times.
If we want to win the play offs then we need to show more intent and solidity in the second half; a win for us sends a message to the saints. 😎
Boro not helping themselves at all with some sloppy play, especially for the free kick. And as I write this more poor defending gives Wrexham an opportunity and they score a second.
And now another goal and it’s from Strelec with his right foot following an excellent cross from Targett.
However Boro have been playing at times as though they have accepted that it’s the playoffs for them and treating the game as a training exercise. And Whittaker back to his frustrating best and not getting into the game at all. I think he has fallen over about six times.
Not sure what Hellberg will say or do with possible substitutions at HT given that Ipswich are all but promoted.
@werdermouth They will need to play better than this afternoon or like the first half against Watford or SW to get through the playoffs and to Wembley.
As you said, we look to be playing within ourselves and as a consequence are making continual unenforced mistakes.
The significance of the half-time scores. according to Chairman CJ:
2nd Ipswich
3rd Millwall
4th Southampton
5th Boro
6th Derby
So it would be the Saints in the play-offs as it stands. 45 minutes of football to be played still across the Championship, so don't expect that to stay the same. Boro were 3rd, 4th and 5th at various points of that first half.
I'd prefer to play Derby in the Play-Offs if given a say in it. If that means playing Southampton or Millwall at Wembley, then so be it. Maybe there would be a chance HH would be fit for the final?
Looks like McGree coming in second half as Hellberg was having a chat with him and told him to warm uP
OFB
That's exactly what happened. It would be nice to think that he could make something happen in the last 25 minutes+ of the match...
P.S. McGree replaced Browne.
Castledine & Sarmiento on for Whittaker & Strelec in the 68th minute.
The subs bench and the subs are worth noting. Edmundson the only defender and he has no match minutes of note. No Monroe when Targett is carrying a niggle. You could certainly sacrifice Sene because we know he offers nothing.
Strange.
Well we didn’t lose but still a disappointing performance for me; at least McGree and Castledine got some game time.
Only side in the top six who didn’t win and Southampton have all the momentum. 😎
Looked like a game Boro were happy just to play within themselves and they lacked their A-game intensity - Wrexham looked a limited side and Boro could've scored a few more if they'd been sharper in the box.
Anyway, Southampton it is as it always seemed it was going to be - a week to prepare and get everyone rested and sharp.
Actually, not sure how we can watch the game as don't think it will be on Boro Live?
A disappointing result overall - we were backs against the wall for most of the second half and I was not overly convinced with our defence. Another team such as Southampton would have scored and indeed Wrexham had a golden opportunity.
I fear for the 2 games ahead, playing at home second would have been preferable, especially given our home form and we will need to be at our best.
Will now be trying to get myself sorted with a ticket for Saturday when no doubt every man and his dog will want one!
A frustrating end to a good season, but irrespective of what we all thought in August, it is still disappointing to finish 5th, Southampton finishing in 4th by one goal difference.
They are the form team, we have little form at all. I assume, I will be judged as being negative or a glass half empty, but in all honesty, apart from those with great belief, how many can honestly see us overcoming Southampton over two legs.
Also disappointing for myself today, I could raise any enthusiasm and really have low expectations as to Boro going to Wembley.