Another beer John, please, I don't mind if I do.
Happy. Very, very happy. Cheers.
UTB,
John
I’m not sure any of us saw that coming. Long may it continue.
I have criticised Tavernier in the past but he nows seems to be back in form like he used to be. So well done Tav.
I’m not sure any of us saw that coming. Long may it continue.
I did stick my neck out and say we would score 4, but didn't account for WRDC's one in reply..
Very pleased that resulr and as pointed out, all the results around us. We look like genuine contenders now.
CoB
That game was quite a birthday present, OFB. I hope I get something similar in October.
Jarkko
Well done on your 1000 posts a great contributor to Diasboro and looking forward to seeing everyone at our meet up.
We could all be going to Wembley first !
OFB
Well that was a surprise to wake up to this morning, I was not confident that we could do the business as I thought that Derby would be fired up. So looking forward to the highlights later today. First time we have scored 4 goals at home in a league match for almost 7 years v Ipswich March 2015, we did score 4 away last season at Birmingham. Interestingly Who Scored had Connolly as Man of the match. He had 5 shots 3 on target and one blocked.
Didn't get a chance to follow this yesterday but just watched the extended highlights. Very impressive.
Pleased for Connolly to get a goal and Balogun to get another assist. Although I am sceptical about Connolly, if he does come good it will be a massive plus for us. He seems to be honestly trying but clearly has all kinds of issues around self-belief; perhaps the last 18 months has made him doubt, for the first time, whether he's really good enough.
Jones is a legitimate phenomenon but unlike Pulis's robotic give-it-to-Adama plan, we actually have ways of capitalising on what he gives us and opening up opportunities for him. In particular, Dijksteel will routinely make a lung-bursting run ahead of Jones that forces two defenders to follow him. He very rarely gets the ball but it opens up space for Jones to work in. You see him do it in the build-up to Crooks' goal. You can also watch Crooks during the build up to that come close to Jones, circle round into position for a tap in, pull back then go back in when he spots Jones about to commit.
I'm also wondering if Taylor is becoming a bit of an unsung hero. Clearly our left flank doesn't carry the same attacking threat as the right but maybe, like a right-handed boxer, we use it to jab. Partly it helps keep the other team at bay but also they can't risk ignoring the threat so we'll switch the ball there to draw them on then look to punch on the right. When we do that, Taylor or Tav will be making a run to the back post as a follow up for the equivalent of a 1-2. I bet Taylor has never spent this much time in the opponents' box in his life but he's getting there while still performing his defensive duties.
It looked like McGree came on the left side with Tav switching to the right, is that what happened? Interesting if so because Tav's favourite trick is to cut in from the right on his left foot. I did notice that for the 4th goal, McGree had an open goal in front of him if the ball got to him.
It's a great time to be Boro. It's not just the results but it's the work, the style, the fearlessness and togetherness. Long may it continue.
Well, that was an enjoyable game. My little boy's belated birthday present - we were in the South Stand behind the goal and the atmosphere was electric. I don't think he had experienced so much noise before.
I met some friends in a Boro Bar [Smoggy Scholar]at the end of town before walking through the tunnel and the prematch celebrations were quite a sight. I didn't expect so much drinking before and during the match but given the weather and the mood it was perhaps understandable - all fired up and full of expectation.
The last time I saw four goals in the flesh was Boro v Arsenal in the FA Cup in the 70's so it was indeed a nice surprise for both of us - I hope he doesn't expect this every year.
It was also interesting to see the pattern of play over the whole pitch - the narrow view of the TV doesn't do justice to Boro's style. On many occasions, there was a winger [usually Jones] drifting into space totally unmarked and almost invisible to both sides. In fact, only when the ball appeared did his presence become known and when that happened the players on the other side slipped their markers and seemed to become invisible to the opposition.
I am really looking forward to the next game now, and certainly a Wembly trip.
A wonderful afternoon treat for all of us.
UTB
Deleriad
Its interesting that your comments on Connolly have probably been felt by most of the Boro supporters, however,
I listened to Wilder on his post match press comments on radio and on club website and basically what he said was.
”He texted me last week because he couldn’t understand why he had started so slow in the Boro games to get up to speed. I told him to stop trying too hard and that it would come good. The goal will have made a difference to him.”
Connolly himself at a post match video interview also said that he hadn’t really played much over the last two years and that he had vein in contact with Wilder who had told him not to worry.
I think as fans we can’t go against the manager’s, coaches and football director professional judgement. Wilder seems pretty confident that he can get Connolly and Balogun up to speed for the assault on the playoff positions.
So let’s face it, Wilder has been proved right on everything up to now.
OFB
OFB said
“I think as fans we can’t go against the manager’s, coaches and football director professional judgement. Wilder seems pretty confident that he can get Connolly and Balogun up to speed for the assault on the playoff positions”
I must admit that I was quite surprised to see both of the new lads start against Derby. Whilst CW probably did not believe it to be, I thought that is one brave decision to go with.
Neither started that well, but did grow into the game. The (deflected) goal will do Connolly the world of good. I still believe Balogun will offer more in the long run, but time will tell. What is certain, is that CW will give them both game time to prove themselves.
What was evident was when both were subbed, Connolly got the bigger hug and words in his ear. CW is certainly trying to boost his self belief. Balogun already has that.
After the match it was chaos especially around the tunnel area, with Derby fans. I have now heard a couple of reliable reports of Derby fans throwing bottles, cans and stones at Boro supporters.
May be Derby deserve to be relegated after all.
To celebrate yesterday’s win, I stuck my Upcycling head on to give a shout out to the mighty Boro. What do you think?
PS Alison has put her foot down and told me I have to start selling some of them before we’re overrun with lamps 😉
Loved the game, so confident! A long time since we have seen our team full of themselves, and backing it up on the pitch. I am impressed by our manager, his humanity and treatment of all the players is so impressive, I believe he is bringing on our new signings and filling them with confidence by his own pleasing attitude to set backs. A great example was his defence of our keeper at Q P R, his statement tht we win or lose as a team. And that two defenders could and should have cleared the ball before giving him the ball under pressure was great and sympathetic man management. Just a point, loved the backheel/side flick for the fourth goal. Talk about sending the crowd home happy!
17 Fans arrested at the game yesterday apparently.
OFB
The last time I saw four goals in the flesh was Boro v Arsenal in the FA Cup in the 70's so it was indeed a nice surprise for both of us - I hope he doesn't expect this every year.
Allan, that FA Cup match is the first Boro game I remember. It was a 4-1 win and shown live on TV in Finland. A sunny day at Ayresome Park with a Mills hat-trick and Armstrong scoring, too.
The attendance was 35 208 on 5th February 1977. Most probably I had chosen to follow Boro just before, but this is the first match I remember. Up the Boro!
I hope one of those who was arrested was the father of the boy who actually took his son to a Boro match in a Man Utd shirt and then allowed him to invade the pitch during the game so that he could have a selfie with Wayne Rooney - that was a serious offence if ever I saw one...
I thought Connolly did OK but not a contender for MoM - he still doesn't look quite fit to me and that was demonstrated when trying to chase onto a ball he couldn't outpace the defender. On the plus side he's putting in a shift and getting into the right positions and his goal will probably help to settle him even if it was a big deflection - but the turn and shot showed he can be explosive in the box. He just needs to keep getting fitter, refine his game and regain confidence.
Werder
I agree, the stewards were very lax on allowing him to run from the North Stand all around the pitch to the coaching area.
What if it had been a fan with a weapon or paint spray? Who would then stand up and take the blame
I don’t think the EFL or police will be happy with the security and it could cost the Boro a fine or closure of that part of the ground.
I must admit I was irate with the fan and the father responsible and expect better from the Boro administration.
There is video footage and social media available and their identity can soon be established. Hopefully Steve Gibson will pass down his displeasure and ensure this never happens again.
OFB
It was sad that a brilliant Boro victory was marred subsequently by idiots - whichever side they were from - fighting and causing general mayhem in the tunnels and in the town centre.
I would like to compliment Derby’s support, however. At the game they were loud and proud and supported their side really well. With Boro supporters also in fine voice throughout, this made for a cracking atmosphere.
I’ve nothing to add to all your very good comments above, except to say that I’m really loving life under Wilder. He’s doing a brilliant job. I’m very excited at what the rest of the season will bring. Can we finish third? Can we reach the FA Cup quarter-finals? Right now, I think anything is possible.
There are 16 league games left, 48 points to play for. Arguably, given that we only have 2 of the top ten (Bournemouth and Sheffield United) to play away, and 4 of them (Fulham, West Brom, Huddersfield and Luton) at home, then I think it’s realistic to expect a return of at least 30 points. That would take us to 79, which would certainly be good enough for the play-offs. Any more could see us in the top 3. What do you think, guys? Time for your challenge, Exmil?
I usually start the challenge with 12 matches to go, so this season I will set for the first group of matches to begin after the Spurs cup match. There will 3 groups of fixtures, 4, 4 then the final 5 matches. I will post the first set of fixtures between the Barnsley match and the Spurs cup match.
Come on BORO.
Though I still think wearing a Man Utd shirt to a Boro games was the biggest crime...
I’m pleased that Chris Wilder is not getting carried away, unlike some of our fans. Admittedly it has been a good week to be a Boro fan, but one game at a time gentlemen please. Nevertheless if Boro can continue winning at home there is a good chance of reaching the playoffs. But long winning runs at home are very rare. Only 3 times have Boro won more than 6 consecutive home wins since the Second World War in 1973/74 (7), 1986/87 (7) and 1997/98 (8 - Tranmere 3-0, Bradford City 1-0, Sunderland 3-1, Crewe 1-0, Swindon 6-0, Norwich 3-0, Bury 4-0, and Man City 1-0). There’s always that unexpected home defeat round the corner
As long as the football is enjoyable to watch and Boro stay in contention for a playoff place with 5 or 6 matches remaining that’s all right by me.
The challenge should be quite easy this year - If you just predict Boro to win every game then you won't be far off 😀
Actually, the fact there is a realistic Exmil challenge this season is a testament to Chris Wilder - I remember posting while Warnock was still in charge that Boro were going to need to average 1.9 points per game just to make the playoffs and that was with two-thirds of the season left!
Since Chris Wilder took over Boro have managed 28 points from 14 games and it doesn't take a maths genius to see that is exactly 2 points per game and automatic promotion form.
Indeed, if you discount his first three games when he was trying to implement his style of play and only picked up 2 draws and a defeat, then his last eleven games have yielded 26 points from 11 games - and that averages 2.4 points per game! If that were to continue in the remaining 16 games then Boro would finish on 87 points and even be in with a shout of second spot.
I’m pleased that Chris Wilder is not getting carried away, unlike some of our fans. Admittedly it has been a good week to be a Boro fan, but one game at a time gentlemen please. Nevertheless if Boro can continue winning at home there is a good chance of reaching the playoffs. But long winning runs at home are very rare. Only 3 times have Boro won more than 6 consecutive home wins since the Second World War in 1973/74 (7), 1986/87 (7) and 1997/98 (8 - Tranmere 3-0, Bradford City 1-0, Sunderland 3-1, Crewe 1-0, Swindon 6-0, Norwich 3-0, Bury 4-0, and Man City 1-0). There’s always that unexpected home defeat round the corner
As long as the football is enjoyable to watch and Boro stay in contention for a playoff place with 5 or 6 matches remaining that’s all right by me.
Very sensible, Ken! You’re right, of course. There’s still a long way to go, and there are sure to be unexpected twists, turns and banana skins along the way. But forgive me for getting carried away. I haven’t been this excited about Boro since Karanka, and this time the team spirit and the football (Alleluia!) are already much better.
Jarkko at 1.38pm yesterday - I wear shorts because, you never know, I might always be required for a short cameo appearance. If the players wear shorts every week then so should I.
In the sport I played until I got a season ticket at the Boro, I always had my kit in the boot of my car when I went to watch my club's other teams play their games. On a weekend there might have been a 1st team, a 2nd team and a third team game on Saturdays, with some Sunday team games in addition. Let's say the 1st team had a game at 11am on a pitch in Stockton or Middlesbrough and the 2nd team had a game at 3pm in Redcar or nearby (or it couid be the other way round). If I'd been free to do so, I'd play in my game but turn up at the other game just in case the team was short or didn't have any reserves. If they were short, I'd be ready. Happy days!
@Dormo What a team player you were. Always ready help out. I wish there were more players like you nowadays. Great. Up the Boro!
Dormo,
And if they were short you'd already be wearing them. Good man, that's impressive stuff.
UTB,
John
Several hundred empty beer cans being thrown on the green seems to be the craze in the USA to celebrate a hole in one. Carlos Ortiz hit by one as he picked his ball out of the hole. Hope this stupid craze doesn’t happen in the UK especially in football and rugby matches after a goal or try is scored, stupid idiots some of these Yanks!
I didn’t know that Harrogate Town were called the Sulphurites. I know where the fans are coming from, but “Come on you Sulphurites “ doesn’t sound complimentary too me and is a mouthful. Nevertheless calling the Boro “The Scabs” after the break up with Ironopolis was certainly uncomplementary, and Smoggies doesn’t sit well with me either. Thank goodness we’re called The Boro with the stress on the definite article just to show that there is only One Boro that counts.
I’ve learnt my lesson on being too enthusiastic about my favourite sports teams ever since Cas Tigers won the Rugby League Championship by 10 points in 2017 scoring 53 points against St Helens in the Challenge Cup, beating Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos three times scoring 66 points in one match against the latter and listening to everyone saying how Cas had revolutionised both codes of rugby, but then when it came to the Grand Final failing abysmally at Old Trafford to the Rhinos. I’ve become more circumspect and much wiser now.
I expect the football fans at Forest and the Blades are feeling pretty smug at the moment, but sometimes one defeat or poor performance can escalate into a downward cycle, just ask QPR fans. I bet they didn’t see that defeat at Barnsley coming. Even Fulham have taken only one point from 2 matches against Blackpool, and lost at home to Reading and 1-4 at Coventry this season. As Chris Wilder says wins against any Championship side cannot be guaranteed and often when a long unbeaten run continues, the more vulnerable a team becomes after one defeat. I can’t see any team going on a long unbeaten run this season. Let’s hope that Boro’s continues for a few more matches yet, but it’s the bounce back ability which will determine Boro’s season when, not if that happens.
This isn’t the Premier League where almost every Man City or Liverpool result can be guaranteed. Even runaway Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich lost 2-4 to mid-table Bochum this weekend. So the occasional surprise result in the Championship cannot be ruled out and that doesn’t only apply to the Boro but to any of the contenders for promotion. So just enjoy the improved football under Chris Wilder, and see where we are with 5 or 6 matches remaining.