CJ on Malanda:
Back in defence today then.
A lot of discourse about the Frenchman and the midfield role he's sometimes had this season. Just yesterday, Kim Hellberg insisted he still sees him primarily as a defender, but says he's unique and 'unreal' in that he can step into the midfield and do a job as good as he has been.
He's been dividing opinion, but I agree with Hellberg this season. Last term I thought he struggled, but he's done well whenever in that role this term. It serves a purpose in particular games, to add more balance. This isn't one of those days though - at home and wanting to get on the front foot.
Off topic, Dael Fry finally got off the bench for Birmingham - in the 96th minute in the 1-2 win at Derby! There were 15 minutes of injury time!
PN - a belated thank you for an ingenious aperitif to the game. Let's hope we can enjoy the main course this afternoon.
UTB
QPR and West Brom drew in the early kick-off - which is probably the best result for Boro!
Bit of a slow start to the game as both sides looking tentative...
My word, 6 minutes 3 goals - where will this end!
Boro a goal down in the first minute, then Seb B bags his first goal in English football in the fourth to level matters - assisted by TC. ACD makes it 2-1 in the seventh minute, also assisted by TC. 🙂
So much for my fears of Norwich packing their defence and waiting to hit us on the break. This has to be one of the most open matches we have seen at the Riverside. 😎
Well there is my prediction of OFB's Boro3 and aftwr only 36 minutes!
Wow. That was rather amazing.
This is some game. I’d expect their manager to change tactics in the second half - surely they won’t leave us as much space with their attempted high block.
An excellent first half from Boro who have played some quality football at times.
Fingers crossed that we have a positive second half as the canaries are still looking dangerous against a less than solid Boro defence.
Stand out performances from Berhalter and Cozier-Duberry who has been positive both offensively and defensively. 😎
Well that was certainly an all action first half - a very open game, which Norwich have discovered why few teams opt to come to the Riverside and try to outplay Boro. In truth, Boro maybe should've had a couple more goals if they'd made better passes to put a teammate in on goal.
I can't say Boro have looked solid in defence and there's also been quite a few occasions where a Norwich player has picked up the ball in the middle of the pitch in acres of space. If I was Hellberg I'd be changing the shape at HT to plug that midfield as 3-1 is a good lead that shouldn't let the opposition back into the game. btw Cozier-Duberry has been brilliant with and without the ball.
Hull City currently top of the class at half time today. 2-1 up at Chelsea
Just a request not to give PL scores as I like to watch Match of the Day without knowing scores - thanks
The Canaries make it 3-2 in the 70th minute We need a fourth for comfort... 
Peart-Harris & Joseph Joseph on for Conway & McGree in the 63rd minute - CJ:
Says everything about Conway and McGree today. The pair went off on the far side and as they make their way across, the west stand rises in applause for the pair.
Arfsten on for Cozier-Duberry in the 73rd minute.
@werdermouth apologies. I think i was dteaming that anyway 😳
Bugger! 3-3 in the 76th minute...
What are Boro doing - 3-1 up and left themselves twice short on numbers running towards their own goal to allow Norwich to equalise in game they should've seen out.
Absolutely shocking second half defensively. The same old problems of not being able to win two halves of a game persist. We have had opportunities but failed to take them. All the momentum is with Norwich who could quiet easily win this. 😎
Absolutely shocking second half defensively. The same old problems of not being able to win two halves of a game persist. We have had opportunities but failed to take them. All the momentum is with Norwich who could quiet easily win this. 😎
CJ:
How have Boro thrown this away!? Managing the game so well after the break and then all of a sudden wide open twice and punished both times. Vitek saves, but it's kept alive by Maghoma and falls to Wright, who fires into the roof off the net.
Three minutes of injury time in which to find a winner...
Get in 4-3 never in doubt! 😎
Phillips, on as a sub at the start of the second half, with his maiden Boro goal in 90+1! 🙂
Phew (again!) - Philips gets Boro out of jail after criminal defending - did Boro deserve it? You be the judge...
Phew (again!) - Philips gets Boro out of jail after criminal defending - did Boro deserve it? You be the judge...
"Championship classic" says the Beeb... 😉
Boro up to fourth on 13 points with a game in hand over all the other teams in the top 8...
Yes and a chance to go top on Tuesday!
We can but hope, but isn't that what kills us?!!!
These games are no good for men of my age with a nervous disposition !!
Losing 0-1, then winning 3-1, then 3-3 and finally Boro score again in extra time to win 4-3.
Brilliant for the neutral football supporter but not for the home supporter.
Until of course it’s all over and the disappointment of leading 3-1 only to be pegged back to 3-3 and then the realisation that your team has finally won 4-3.
As always there are positives and negatives from all games. For the moment I will enjoy the positives and leave it to the coaches to address the negatives another day.
Get the wine out !! - for a little relaxation and celebration.
Philip of Huddersfield 😄👍😄👍
ps I need to check the final score again !!