Middlesbrough v Rovers - Match Report

Was at the game, seen the highlights, I'll try to be objective. First half we were pretty awful (think the Cardiff replay, for those lucky enough to see that) and never looked like scoring, and 1-0 at half time could have easily been more. Second half was a lot different though, probably a case of us having a bit of battle about our play and Boro taking things a bit easier. To be honest, we didn't create a lot though. Should have had a penalty for a clear push but we know after Weds that they aren't guaranteed goals. Overall, draw wouldn't have been outrageous, but if anyone deserved to win it wasn't Rovers. Positives : Nelsen very solid and seems to read things very well. For those that haven't seen him yet, cast your mind back to Henning - IMHO his style of play isn't a million miles away. No world beater, but hopefully a Mr Reliable. Todd dependable as ever. Savage full of beans again. Pedersen. Maybe he's under management instruction, but he's playing nothing like I expect a winger to play. Comes inside to get the ball a lot, wins lots in the air. Hardly ever takes his defender on though. Negatives : Neill - I don't think he's been as bad as some of made out (I'm no expert though). But today he really wasn't very good, and being sat near a Lucas-bashing contingent gave em plenty of ammo today. Matteo - enough said. What's Nissa done wrong? Thommo, just rewind a couple of years and play like that please. Others : Bert Emerton - back to being v ordinary in the last few games after looking as though he'd overcome the demons. Brad, performing like a mortal. Made a couple of fine saves, I reckon cos he's being asked more questions and if he makes one mistake it costs the game, he gets noticed more. So what's the solution to all this? Well, we look pretty solid playing this formation with Mokoena just in front of the back four. That's the good news. Now need a decent partner for Dickov, whether that's one of the midfielders getting forward more or (what I'd prefer) Stead up front. Or we just have 12 on the field. This game is easy from the stands. Match report written by Neil Weaver

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Parnaby, Southgate, Reiziger, Queudrue, Morrison (Bates 90), Parlour, Zenden, Downing, Job (Doriva 73), Christie (Graham 69. Subs Not Used: Nash, McMahon. Sent Off: Parlour (89). Booked: Parlour. Goals: Queudrue 35. Blackburn: Friedel, Neill, Nelsen, Todd, Matteo, Emerton, Savage, Mokoena (Johnson 60), Thompson (Reid 78), Pedersen, Dickov. Subs Not Used: Flitcroft, Enckelman, Johansson. Booked: Mokoena, Matteo. Att: 30,564 Ref: M Riley (W Yorkshire).

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