Thanks Si and yes that historic contrast which you've done so well in bringing out can be a great perspective to highlight some running themes of past managerial regimes and how they struggled with similar problems on the pitch. That's why I really like the freshness of Kim Hellberg's philosophy and also his more open personality compared to perhaps how Michael Carrick's more defensive relationship with the media.
Well glad to have finally sat down with a beer (I'll raise a glass to OFB and his good wife on their anniversary) after another busy day and now looking forward to the game and hopefully getting another win under my belt - once again big thanks to everyone for their comments.
It appears to have been a sunny evening at Stoke with just a light breeze for the game - ideal conditions so no excuses not to bring back the three points...
Fingers crossed for this game. Any win will do but another clean sheet for Boro is on the wish list.
Looks as though it could be three at the back with Malanda giving extra support to the midfield when required.
Boro certainly need to keep that area tight after seeing some of the goals Stoke have scored from there.
A scrappy game with Boro dominating possession, particularly in the early part of the match which was played in the Stoke half; Stoke have come into it more as the game has progressed.
The Stoke keeper has been the busier of the two but so far he and his defenders have performed well; Stoke look capable of scoring from dead ball situations.
All still to play for and the first goal may be the decider; Boro need to get back to Saturday’s levels if they are to take three points. 😎
We’re struggling to get out from the back now that Stoke are pressing. I’d be tempted to bring TC on to try and hold the ball up front.
An enjoyable, competitive contest so far for me.
Boro started dominantly before Stoke upped the intensity of their press and disrupted our passing. They couldn’t maintain it for more than 20mins though and Boro finished the half more like we’d started it.
Could go either way but I think we’ve edged it so far and just need that big chance.
@martin-bellamy. I agree as Sarmiento has offered very little and tends to come inside and make the midfield congested. 😎
Conway can't have been very far from Boro's best player against Wolves, so must feel a bit miffed at starting on the bench. Returning from injury or not, Conway always seems full of energy. I'd start with him but, failing that, you'd expect to bring him on if things aren't going to plan after HT.
Boro started with plenty of intensity and pressed Stoke well and it took them 20 minutes just threaten the Boro half - thought Berhalter has been a bit wasteful with the ball and Sarmiento hasn't really got into the game. With Lankshear drifting across the front, Boro have lacked a focal point sometimes but Cozier-Duberry looking the most dangerous player.
Don't think Stoke look that dangerous and it's whether Hellberg fancies swapping a defender for another creative midfielder - though Stoke are well organised in defence and quickly get into shape - might be some opportunities to play out of their press as they tire and get into the back five.
GET IN! CB.
Get in a brilliant goal from Callum Brittain. 😎
Brittain gives Boro the lead three minutes into the second half, assisted by ACD. 🙂
Would you believe it 1-1! 🤬
Ah! Deflected shot beats our keeper to make it 1-1 almost immediately. Borges OG...??
Brittain gives Boro the lead three minutes into the second half, assisted by ACD. 🙂
Two minutes later, Stoke level courtesy of a Borges OG. 🙁
How CJ saw the OG:
Poor from Berhalter to give it away in the middle of the park. Stoke break and it's out to Tchamadeu on the right. He crosses low and Borges' attempt to cut it out results in him turning it into his own net.
Boro back in the lead: Lanky Will in the 73rd minute.
McGree & Conway on for Sarmiento & Berhalter in the 64th minute.
Swansea a goal up at Millwall.
Lanky - who else - puts Boro ahead.2-1.
Arsften & Joseph on for Lanky & ACD in the 77th minute.
Poor clearance by Ayling leads to 2-2. Awful
.
Boro back in the lead: Lanky Will in the 73rd minute.
McGree & Conway on for Sarmiento & Berhalter in the 64th minute.
Swansea a goal up at Millwall.
But again the Potters equalise (85th minute). 🙁
Boro back in the lead: Lanky Will in the 73rd minute.
McGree & Conway on for Sarmiento & Berhalter in the 64th minute.
Swansea a goal up at Millwall.
But again the Potters equalise (85th minute). 🙁
CJ:
That's such a needless goal to give away. Poor decision making and game management again. Cross comes in that's causing no danger whatsoever until Ayling, under no pressure at all, touches it back into the danger area. Stoke capitalise and Bozenik scores.
Sucker punch for Boro: Borges atones for the OG in the first minute of four minutes of injury time!
Get in Neto Borges from a corner. 😎
Unbelievable 3-2 with Borges now having one at both ends,!
2-3 
Cut out the defensive mistakes and we will fly
My winning preview run was never in doubt - those cold Tuesday evenings in Stoke are just what I needed 😉
Well, I'm exhausted watching that second half - what a rollercoaster and what a result in the end as the players never gave up on winning and puts Boro into a great position 4 points clear of third. I need a rest...
btw I'm now on a hat-trick!