The Beeb:
As things stand
HT: Middlesbrough 4-1 Norwich
Remember with this scoreline, Boro would leapfrog Luton into third spot on goal difference.
Norwich would remain eighth, one point outside the play-offs, but having played one game more than Millwall (in fifth) and two more than Blackburn (sixth), and vulnerable to the sides below them.
Chuba gets his customary goal four minutes after the restart, assisted by Archer, & equals the Champo record, set by Tammy Abraham while he was at Villa & Jarrod Bowen during his Hull days by scoring in eight successive home matches!
Warrington v Wigan game not living up to all the hype so have switched over to watching Boro.
Well fellas, if you don’t enjoy this version of Boro, you’re Tony Pulis.
Gerrin.
5 x EIO
1 x Bugger
Wolves 6 - Warriors 13 FT
What a great night.
I think that result has given Boro back the momentum they appeared to have lost in recent games as they go back to third and become the Championship's leading scorers with 79 goals and counting.
In truth the game was all over by half time in what was a clinical display at the sharp end but Boro's defending did still at times look suspect and with Norwich missing a couple of decent chances in the first half plus hitting the post in the second and being denied a clear penalty too. Though 5-5 would have been stretching it as the Canaries didn't look a team heading for promotion and were defensively weak and maybe lacking in confidence in front of goal.
The other good thing was a few fringe players got some pitch time without pressure but the worry was injuries to Ramsey and Forss - hopefully neither are too serious but in the end Boro won easily in third gear.
Hackney looked to have stepped up close to his best and surely Archer was MOM with 2 goals and 2 assists - McNair still a worry for me and just doesn't look convincing as a central defender at the moment - though not really any real alternatives - which is also a worry if Boro picked up another injury.
Still, couldn't have wished for a better result with a 5-1 in difficult conditions - job done and wobble stabilised with Boro now a cert for the playoffs unless they fail to win another game!
gazette ratings
Zack Steffen - 7
Not overly involved but composed as always in possession and saved all that did come his way but the goal, which was a one-on-one.
Tommy Smith - 7
Back to his usual solid, no-nonsense best. Good ball up the right channel in the build-up to the first goal as well.
Paddy McNair - 7
At fault for the Norwich goal, as he was caught in possession. But it wasn't costly in the end and he otherwise played the ball out from the back well and also put in some good tackles and won some big headers too.
Darragh Lenihan - 7
Composed throughout whenever Boro needed him to be to ensure the ball spent most of the game in the opposition's half. Big first half block when only 1-0 up too.
Ryan Giles - 7
Wasn't needed from an attacking sense as often as we're used to seeing. Defended without fuss throughout.
Jonny Howson - 9
Ran the show. Absolutely superb in the middle of the park as he read the game, made key interceptions and drove his side forward with some excellent passing. Seemed to cover every blade of grass.
Hayden Hackney - 8
Put a real shift in for his side having been moved to an unfamiliar left wing role early on. As well as scoring, he made an important interception for the fifth and was generally effective on the ball throughout.
Marcus Forss - 8
Assisted Hackney's goal and put in a monumental shift for his side on that right-hand side. Hopefully the second half injury he suffered won't prove serious.
Aaron Ramsey - 7
Real shame he had to come off after just 25 minutes. He was enjoying it against his former club, putting Boro ahead early on and making some dangerous runs.
Chuba Akpom - 8
Another goal took him to 27 for the season and he's now netted in Boro's last eight home games. As per, his overall game was important for Boro, with his quality in linking up play.
Cameron Archer - 9
Two goals and two assists, what more could you ask for from your centre-forward. Returning to the side, in all four of the goals he was directly involved in, he showed incredible composure for all. Ran the line superbly with great energy in the press and with off-ball movement.
Substitutions
Alex Mowatt (For Ramsey, 26') - 8 - Having barely kicked a ball for much of the season, it was a real test for him to come on in this one at the stage he did. He ended with an assist and an all-round excellent composed display in the middle of the park.
Isaiah Jones (For Forss, 68') - 7 - Given an incredible reception when coming on and looked as bright as he has for a long time.
Marc Bola (For Hackney, 83') - N/A
Dan Barlaser (For Howson, 83') - N/A
Matt Crooks (For Akpom, 83') - N/A
Full report (+ pictures) in the Daily Fail:
I would have to add that I was surprised how well Mowatt played when he came on and yes Jonny Howson once again defied his aging legs on a heavy pitch to put in another commanding display. It's interesting watching how Howson and Hackney are both fearless when receiving the ball in tight areas and passing to each other - plus they both like a tackle! Master and apprentice in the art of working the midfield.
Two very good posts that accurately reflect the game, mate. And how good it was to see Isiah Jones back producing some of his magic. If Forss and Ramsey are injured, he may yet have a big part to play.
Barlaser at last got a short cameo, but he’s going to have to pull up a few trees if he is to replace Howson or Hackney. On this performance, Mowatt might also be ahead of him in the pecking order.
McNair had a very solid second half after earlier gifting City their goal. But what does Dijksteel have to do to get a game? I feel very sorry for him. I don’t think he’s done anything wrong other than get injured.
I would have to add that I was surprised how well Mowatt played when he came on and yes Jonny Howson once again defied his aging legs on a heavy pitch to put in another commanding display. It's interesting watching how Howson and Hackney are both fearless when receiving the ball in tight areas and passing to each other - plus they both like a tackle! Master and apprentice in the art of working the midfield.
totally agree. We finally saw the Mowatt who has looked such a classy player at other clubs. Perfect pass for Archer’s first goal. The poor defender left a yard and Mowatt just stroked it through and Archer did the rest. Mowatt, Howson and Hackney were great to watch and Archer Akpom and Forss must be a nightmare to play against..
Also good to see Jones back on his game even if he still over hits his crosses.
it’s just the McNair/Lenihan link that does very well but still seems to have a mistake in it. Does Dijksteel get a go if Fry is still not fit just to see how it looks ahead of the playoffs?
Utb
……..forgot to add.
BORO top scorers in the Championship. What alternative universe are we living in?
UTB
That was the perfect start to a weekend. Mrs Dormo discharged from hospital following an operation on Tuesday (she's already looking much better than yesterday and LOADS better than on Wednesday), a meal together, and then our next-door-but-one neighbour who was a nurse, stayed in with my wife whilst I went to the match. Wife had a good time talking to her friend and catching up, and I had a great time at the football. I type this in my study which used to be a bedroom and has a washbasin and wardrobes in it, and an oak futon which makes up into a large double bed for my wife to avoid having to go upstairs. I am typing this at my desk which is at the foot of the made-up bed in which Mrs Dormo is currently asleep! The sound of breathing is good for me, but will be a godsend for Mrs Dormo as she has had very little sleep in hospital, both in the High Dependency Unit and then in the general ward before discharge, due to discomfort, the anaesthetic and then the drugs she had to take after the operation, and the general noise levels from some other patients with their own problems (bless them!).
So even if the game had been less than satisfactory, just having her home and happy would have made it a good day, despite the persistent rain which has fallen for HOUR after HOUR and which made walking to the stadium a soaking experience. But 5-1, a resounding win which was the result of clinical finishing, and a return to form, puts an additional gloss on the day. It was already a very nicely baked cake and Boro placed a juicy fat cherry on top for me!
I must say that the result of a Boro game can make or break a weekend for me. A bad performance and result can be a real "downer", something that takes enthusiasm for the weekend away. But a good win is the opposite. The weekend ahead takes on an entirely different perspective. A skip suddenly appears in one's step, and the weekend winks at one, with a tempting offer to enjoy the days ahead. What makes this better is that it is still only Friday (though it might be past midnight when I press "send"). So I have the FULL weekend to enjoy: Saturday's Grand National, and a full weekend of football which can take place in circumstances where my team has already stashed its 3 points in the Bank. Get in! Though after rain of Biblical proportions in Bristol, Yorkshire's cricket game against Gloucestershire has seen the frst two days washed out without a ball being bowled. Maybe a concocted scenario in whcih both sides forfeit their first innings in the hope of making a result possible if play ever resumes there...?
(I do, of course, realise Norwich could easily have scored two very early goals before Boro scored the first, and that Norwich's penalty appeal was waved away by the ref - my immdeiate reaction was that it WAS a penalty but, as my friend says, look in the newspapaer tomorrow and check whether it was a penalty or not - and the much-maligned Steffen made an excellent double save in the first half. So it is correct that Boro rode all the luck going its way. But good teams tend to be lucky teams and Boro at least had the ability and determination to take advantage of its good fortune.
Recent results had caused some disquiet despite the fact that, when the club languished in 21st place in the league table as Carrick took over the manager's role, EVERYBODY would have been delighted to approach the end of the season even to be within touching distance of the play-offs rather than fighting relegation. What we can say is that those recent two losses against Huddersfield and Burnley and a rescued point at Bristol City are now offically designated "A Blip" rather than representing Boro's true form. Normal service has been resumed. And very exciting it is, too! The world is looking a better place already.
Some post FD and the greatest thing to read in it is about your wife. Sorry to hear she has had to be in hospital but delighted to hear she is home.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
very happy to hear that your wife is home, and by the sound of it, recovering. That must be a great relief for you.
Regarding the match, I know exactly how you feel. For me Saturday is usually spent with half a brain looking forward to the game which usually happens overnight Saturday to Sunday. A win makes Sunday great. A loss really dampens the mood.
Friday night games are a bit ‘double jeopardy’ in that a win makes for a great weekend but a loss is bad news right through to Sunday evening. Lots if time for ‘if only s’.
all the best
utb
As many have said a great start to the weekend. Hopefully some other results go our way today. I think that Mowatt came on as he appeared to be left footed and Ramsay was playing on the left. Was disappointed by Ramsay’s reaction to scoring in front of the Norwich fans as he used to play for them. Contrast this to Archer’s reaction when he scored against Preston. That been said I don’t know if he left Norwich under a cloud.
That makes for an excellent start to the weekend. Five goals against Norwich when we're not at our best.
I realised yesterday that what we're reminding me of is Fulham last season. They scored a ludicrous number of goals but also lost a lot of games for a team that won the Championship. Like Mitrovic last season, Akpom and now Archer are simply too good for this level. Reminds me also of Langstaff and Mullins in the National League.
Interesting snippet towards in the second half after Jones came on. Akpom was running with the ball and had Jones free on the right. He delayed, tried to pass to Archer and failed. Commentators said that was his first mistake of the game. Thing is, you could see he really wanted to feed Archer through for a hat-trick. That's the secret to Akpom. He's not the cliched selfish goal-scorer he is the ultimate team player. He works his nadgers off and he is always looking to lift his team mates up.
Also really pleased to see Mowatt getting praise. It's taken a long time but if he keeps pulling out performances like that he's going to be massive for us. I had noticed that he was doing well in his tiny cameos. His loan is turning out to be really important for us. You can bring him on to close out a game but also can trust him to start a game without losing quality in midfield.
Funnily, despite his two howlers, I was thinking that McNair was actually really good. I also thought that Steffen possibly had his most complete performance for us. He may have had to do "much" but he was always involved in the game, made a key double save early and organised his defence well. I would be happy to keep him if we can get him on a sensible wage.
@forever-dormo Nice post Dormo and very pleased that your wife is making good progress.
As many of us have said it the past, “give me a lucky General”
We certainly rode our luck in those first 15/20 minutes with some nervy defending once more. However then only five shots, five on target, five goals. You just could not make it up.
It was a pity about the Lenihan/McNair episode. They continue far too often. However another bright note as others have said, was Mowatt’s excellent performance in midfield. Where did that come from?
Not read anything about McGree. Hoping Ramsey and Forss are OK.
@deleriad - Good post. But I don't suppose even Boro's record-goal-scorer-in-living-memory is paid anything approaching the deal Steffen has from Man City and it would surely have to be a massive pay cut if Steffen were to sign a permanent deal with Boro. The relative prices paid for a decent goal-scorer and a decent goalkeeper must show that goal scorers are rather easier to find and/or that goal scorers are more vital to success. So unless your team is ManC/Newcastle/PSG and your pockets are VERY deep, you'd tend to break the Bank for a goal-scorer rather than a keeper.
Jason Steele is playing for Brighton and doing well. You can add to that some excellent reports on our loan goalkeepers over recent years and Roberts also has a good reputation. We appear to have a good sytem for producing and training goalkeppers for everyone except ourselves.
Surely at least one of this crowd of keepers is going to be worth a place in the first team. If not, what is going wrong between academy/loan and making the final step.
I can see Roberts or Brynn in goal next year which would save us a huge wage bill.
UTB
Typo there (sorry). Goalscorers are HARDER to find and/or are more vital to success....(!!).
How nice is it to see so much positivity on here after that result? Like FD said, a Friday night win sets you up for good weekend (whether it’s the Boro or the Warriors, although both winning is a huge bonus).
We’re off to our static in Shropshire for a week - my team’s have won, the forecast is for sunshine and my bronchitis is easing - what’s not to like?
PS - good to hear your wife’s in recovery - I’m sure we all send our best wishes.
Pleased that your wife is home with you and making progress.
Tell her all your friends on Diasboro have been asking after her and wishing her well.
OFB
[...]
Not read anything about McGree. Hoping Ramsey and Forss are OK.
Talking about keepers does anyone know what happened to Brad James. He was on loan at Hartlepool when they got promoted back to the league?
Some excellent posts above on a resounding victory.
Came back from a night out and relieved to find the match hand recorded ok. Sky on demand and downloading has been playing up recently; appears to be Sky issue rather than at my end!
Was a bit concerned early on when Norwich were in the ascendancy but once the first goal went in we were much the better side for the majority of the game despite having slightly less possession than the Canaries.
I was surprised that Norwich played an open and attacking game which played into our hands as, apart from Burnley, no one in this league is capable of out footballing us. I was surprised that they didn’t keep it tight and try to play on the counter attack.
Apart from yet another defensive blip it was a very good all round performance from the team and getting back towards our best; the injuries to McGree and Fry are a concern but Mowatt had his best game yet, and particularly so given his lack of game time. One to consider on a permanent deal if available?
My brother got soaking wet on his walk to the ground but said it was worth it!
Setting off tomorrow on our antipodes trip for a family wedding followed by a two week road trip around the UK visiting family and including a Riverside trip for hopefully our last Championship league game!
Good to hear that Mrs FD is home and on the mend and that those Diasboro who have been ailing of late are recovering.😎
FUTURE GAMES - In order to satisfy the requirements of SkyTV (and who can blame Sky for wanting to cover as many Boro games as possible, because goals are all but guraranteed) there has been some movement in dates and/or kick-off times. The remainder of the season will be as follows as per the club website:
Tues 19th April (ko 8pm) - Hull City (H).
Mon 24th April (ko 8pm) - Luton Town (A)
Mon 1st May (ko 1pm) - Rotherham (A)
Mon 8th May (ko 3pm) - Coventry City (H)
We don't want any supporters booking an hotel room for the wrong date or arranging transport that will get them where they intended, but at the wrong time!
I realise some of you may already have booked hotels in London .... (Honestly, you just can't get pessimistic Boro fans these days!).
All Boro eyes on south Yorkshire today.
On their recent form I think Rotherham are certainly capable of upsetting Luton, who must still be favorites today.
As for Cardiff. You wouldn't give the Bluebirds much hope today. So let's just hope it is one of those days where we can all rejoice in football being a funny old game.