retired_hollieo

Poor run for Everton

After the draw with Spurs, the Toffees began an incredible losing streak that brought them into the bottom three with only 14 games to ensure survival. We also got knocked out of the FA Cup in a 4th Replay against Arsenal by 2-1 after holding the Gunners to a 0-0 draw at Highbury.

Carling Cup dreams were cruelly dashed at the semi final stage by Charlton Athletic who won 1-0 at Goodison courtesy of a Euell breakaway goal and then completed the job 2-1 at the Valley. To add to Murphy's misery, Charlton repeated the trick in the Premiership a few days later by the same scoreline. An unfortunate 1-0 defeat to Villa at home, and a 1-0 loss at the City of Manchester Stadium, made things begin to look very bleak.

The Recovery

Norwich 1 - 3 Everton

When you need a win desperately, the is no better place to visit surely than Carrow Road as Norwich looked doomed in 19th position. However, the morale of the first team was almost exclusively very low, and we were taking nothing for granted. Just as well as Norwich started very brightly with a three pronged attack forcing our fullbacks to defend. But on 20 minutes, a loose back header from Alan Drury fell right at the feet of Emmanuel Calaio, who netted for his goal of the season.

On 56 though, Everton old boy Tim Cahill came back to haunt us as he played a fantastic ball through to Darren Huckerby to fire past the helpless (some would say hopeless) Nigel Martyn. Game on again. Fortunatley for us, onloy two minutes later a biblical re-enactment of the parting of the Red Sea occurred as Calaio split the Canaries defence asunder, and Zurawski finished the miracle of Everton being ahead in an away game with half an hour to go, rounding Green to finish. We wrapped up the game and put pressure on Pompey's Andy Nilsen to follow our lead by adding a third through Gravesen on 83.


Everton 2 - 1 Middlesborough

Well with Middlesbrough still competing in the UEFA Cup and the FA Cup, we were in the handy position of being able to rest up for 3 weeks, while Liggins' Boro side jaunted over to Turkey and faced a tough 5th Round Cup game against Pagi's Bolton. With Boro changing to a new 4-2-3-1 formation and looking strong in recent weeks, I decided to play it nice and tight in a 4-5-1 formation, hoping to hit Ligs' side on the counter. For once, both managers played it coy in the press, with neither coach feeling confident enough about their prospects to "give it large" as they say.

Onto the game, and Middlesborough started brightly. On four minutes, memories of Liggins' luck at the Riverside came flooding back, as Boateng lined one up from 25 yards. Today however, Lewandowski was well out of the way and the shot went harmlessly wide. It took 31 minutes for Everton to offer there first serious effort, as new midfielder Koren hit a shot narrowly wide. But Boro countered and barely a minute later, opened up the Everton defence as Downing put Phillips in, but Martyn was up to the shot.

On 40 minutes we were ahead and it was a goal that Liggins would have to admire. Zurawski, surging from his own half to the right flank and an inch perfect pass into the path of Stefan Selakovic. 1-0! Four minutes later it was two nil. Boro failed to clear from an Everton throw in and as Holneak took the ball off Gravesen, he cleverly played in Hysen, who beat the keeper from just outside the box. Middlesborough continued to threaten though and got their reward early in the second half through a typical Hasselbaink pile driver. Although Boro gamely tried to get an equaliser, some smart saves from Nigel Martyn kept them out whilst Calaio missed the chance to wrap it up near the end. All in all though, a satisfactory win over a good side who may end up picking up a cup this season.

retired_kayakmaine

I noticed that you said you had a vacancy, and I poseted on your forums in order to apply.
Just letting you know, so my message gets read
Thanx

retired_teresa assis

New year, new formation, same old Boro

Well despite a change in formation that’s resulted in more goals and praise from fellow managers, the same inconsistent league form has dogged our bid to close on the top 7.

First a transfer round up, a handful of deals going through before the January window shut:

IN

Paolo Montero, £40k from Juve. What a bargain, will add great strength and experience to the back line.
Kevin Phillips, free transfer from the Saints. Good back up for Jimmy and Viduka.
Eugen Bopp, 3 month loan from Forest. Switching to a formation with 3 AM’s, and only having 2 AM’s in the squad, thought I should bring in some more bodies. Bopp was the best option, should contribute the odd goal/assist.

OUT

Michael Reiziger, £180k to AZ Alkmaar
Stuart Parnaby, £50k to Leeds


Loads of games to catch up on, seemingly most of them from the cup:

FA Cup 3rd round: Boro 4-0 Coventry

First game with the new 4-2-3-1 formation, but against weak opposition. A reserve defence and midfield with an experienced front 4 ran out comfortable winners, Nemeth (31) Hasselbaink (39, 48) and Viduka (86) with the goals.

Boro 3-3 Newcastle

What a disappointment, threw this game away. Dawson (14) headed the visitors ahead from a corner, but Nemeth (22) Hasselbaink (34) and Boateng (39) gave Boro a comfortable half time lead. Boro continued to dominate, until the last 5 minutes. As they eased their foot of the pedal, Crespo (87, 90) stole a thoroughly undeserved point for the visitors.

FA Cup 4th Round: Boro 3-0 Nottingham Forest

79 minutes gone and the unwelcome prospect of a replay loomed. The Forest keeper Wapenaar gifted the ball to Viduka, who had the simple task of passing into an empty net. Hasselbaink (84) and Butt (90) gave the scoreline a more realistic look – Rensing wasn’t forced into 1 save all afternoon.

West Brom 1-1 Boro

A mid table scrap saw the points shared. Yakin (31) put Boro ahead against the run of play, before a Koumas free kick (40) beat the superb Rensing to level the scores. Boro edged the 2nd half, but neither team did enough to win the game.

Boro 3-2 Spurs

Sam Bouchard brought his 2nd place title contenders to the Riverside, only to go home with their tales between their legs. The game started off badly, with Sun Jihai being sent off after only 4 minutes for two bookings by the over zealous ref Matt Messias, who produced 10 yellow cards and 1 red in the game. Despite this Boro went 2-0 up, Hasselbaink (7, 33) with the goals, before Defoe pulled one back in 1st half injury time.
2nd half saw Spurs take the initiative, making use of their numerical advantage, Carrick (67) bagging the equaliser. But Boro never gave up, Viduka (81) restoring the lead, before Butt hit the bar with minutes remaining. A very good win against a very good Spurs side.

Chelsea 4-1 Boro

A game that I wasn’t expecting anything from, and at no stage did we ever look like getting something. Half an hour gone, Chelsea had had 4 attacks, and they’d scored 4 goals: smack-head Mutu (4, 12, 31) and Terry (19) with them. To be fair after this Boro bossed the game and won the 2nd half, Yakin (65) getting the goal.

Boro 5-1 Charlton

A good response the Chelsea hammering, Hasselbaink (15, 40) Yakin (27) and Doriva (77, 85) with the Boro goals, a direct free kick from Murphy (69) was all the visitors could offer.

UEFA Cup 1st knockout stage 1st leg: Boro 4-0 Hearts

A nice easy tie to help us progress, Yakin (4) Hasselbaink (14, 44) and Phillips (90) getting the goals.

UEFA Cup 1st knockout stage 2nd leg: Hearts 1-1 Boro

A 2nd string team played out the second leg, Yakin having had a goal disallowed and Hasselbaink having hit the post before the latter put the visitors ahead on the hour. Pereira equalised (85) for Hearts, who’d had Scott Robertson sent off 4 minutes earlier.

FA Cup 5th Round: Boro 3-2 Bolton

Another home draw, and a tough game against Pagi’s Bolton. Kaluzny (16) gave Boro the lead, before Pedersen (42) and Speed (44) shocked the home side with 2 breakaway goals just before the break. The 2nd half saw Boro come out fighting, and when Jaaskelainen fouled Sun Jihai just 2 minutes into the half, Dorsin made no mistake from the spot. Kaluzny was then sent off for 2 bookings in as many minutes, but a minute later Yakin mad light of the numerical disadvantage by scoring a magnificent individual goal (81) to win the tie.

Everton 2-1 Boro

Probably one of the least hyped Murphy/Liggins clashes ever, and the game lived up to its quiet billing. Everton had more shots (although mainly due to Murphy’s annoying tactic of getting his players to shoot as soon as they entered the opposition half) but Boro had the better chances. Selakovic (41) and Hysen (45) gave Boro a huge blow just before the break, but they responded quickly after half time, Hasselbaink (50 scoring yet another goal. The visitors pushed on but couldn’t get an equaliser, which they probably just about deserved.

UEFA Cup 2nd knockout stage 1st leg: Boro 0-1 Besiktas

By far the hardest game of the campaign so far, the Turk came, defended deep and counter attacked with great pace. But the tie looked to be heading for a stalemate before Ibrahim headed home a near post corner with the last kick of the game (90+4) to give the visitors an undeserved win.


League

Still to inconsistent, but 7th place isn’t out of the reckoning with 10 games to go.

FA Cup

Man Utd at home in the Quarters, a tough game but win-able

UEFA Cup

1-0 and facing a trip to Turkey needing to beat Besiktas – looks like this is the end of the European campaign, but considering it’s Boro’s first ever venture into Europe, everyone concerned can be very proud.

retired_kimberlysmith

Dont Stop Me Now

As time goes on, many are beginning to speculate about where Tottenham are going to actually finish this season in the league. Some are saying that we can push on and maybe have a crack at the top two, where as others are slightly more sceptical, predicting a mid table finish. Whilst the half way mark in the season passed, Spurs sat second in the league, looking quite comfortable in amongst the Premier League giants, whilst others seem to be struggling to keep up with Norwich. The fans at White Hart Lane hadn't seen a Tottenham manager with a decent hair cut in years, and change looked to be beyond the club, but with confidence running high and the goals pouring in, surely nobody could stop the mighty Spurs?

Sunday 19th December

Newcastle United [0]:
Tottenham Hotspur [2]: Defoe(7), Kanoute(59)

St James' Park had seen so much money go through it, you'd have thought it was on a day trip to Amsterdam, however unlike the Red Light District, Newcastle never really used the cash to score. In a match that were to be Jay De Costa's last, Newcastle lost a match against a high flying Spurs side, who never really looked like losing it. Jermaine Defoe sneaked in at the near post to volly home a corner early on, whilst Kanoute hit the Geordies below the belt, as he chipped Given from the edge of the area after a wonderful piece of movement from the Tottenham striker. A Robinson mistake just before half time should've gifted Kluivert with a goal, however a mis hit shot sent the ball just wide of the goal where defenders were arriving. Spurs trundle on, as De Costa trundels home, final score Newcastle 0 Tottenham 2.


Wednesday 22nd December

Tottenham Hotspur [2]: Defoe(21), Kanoute(28)
West Brom [0]:

Chris Morris brought his team down to White Hart Lane in search of 3 points. Instead of that, he left with none, and a team with some confidence issues to boot. There wasn't really much to say about the match really, as the team from Birmingham struggled to gain possession of the ball, and didn't really mount the challenge that was to be expected. The win lifed Tottenham up to third place, their highest this season, as Man United dropped points.


Sunday 26th December

Norwich City [0]:
Tottenham Hotspur [2]: Defoe(13), King(70)

The Boxing Day fixtures delt Spurs the fortunate short trip to Norwich, as it all proved to be a bit too much for the east-anglian side. Worthington's tried his best to keep his team riled up for the Premier League challenge, after their 9 year absense, but against Tottenham they weren't really putting up much of a fight. In a game where Spurs could and perhaps should've scored 4 or 5, they managed to net only two, with goals coming froma confident looking Defoe, and a headed goal later on in the match from the centre half King. After Carrick hit the bar and twice the ball was cleared off the Norwich line, the final whistle blew, giving Tottenham their 11th straight league win, and making it nine from nine in all competitions.


Tuesday 28th December

Tottenham Hotspur [0]:
Chelsea []: Kezman(45)

The Christmas period is the toughest time for many teams during the season, yet Spurs were seemingly flying through it without problems. That was until they reached the slight turbulance of a fixture against Chelsea. After having trained the previous day, Tottenham looked to have a slight edge over Chelsea, but with their clinical form as of late, the Blues weren't going to come along nicely so to speak. Jose Mourinho seemed to have been watching video tapes of Niall Murphy's greatest hits, after he managed to gain an extra 4 minutes injury time just before the break. This enabled Chelsea to snatch a vital goal, the only of the game, which knocked the stuffing out of Spurs. The second half came and went in what felt like 10 minutes, as Chelsea kept hold of the ball nicely and defended very well and dispite great efforts from Defoe and Kanoute managed to keep the ball out of the net. A sending off to Southgate may have hindered a Tottenham come back late on, however the game wasn't going to go anywhere with a 5 man defence and 17 foot Cech in goal.


Transfer Window

The transfer window enabled me to bring in three players, to which i felt were needed to add depth to the squad. Vincent Kompany joined for £5m from Anderlecht, Freddy Guarin joined from West Brom sending Daniel Fredheim Holm in the opposite direction, and young George Junior Weah left AC Milan for a cool £300k.


Saturday 1st January 2005

Charlton [1]: Euell(40)
Tottenham Hotspur [3]: Weah(33), Kanoute(45,67)

A solid comeback from the Chelsea match, meant capturing all three points from a tough game against Charlton. A start for all three new signings, and a goal for debutant Weah just after the half hour mark seemed to settle the team down. Weah went on to capture man of the match after superbly assisting Kanoute twice to give Spurs the win.

Monday 3rd January 2005

Tottenham Hotspur [0]:
Everton [0]:

Afte a grueling Christmas schedule, Bouchard decided to rest several players for the match against Murphy's Everton, and the away side had to work damn hard for their point. Without Defoe, Robinson and a whole host of other certain regular starters, who'd have thought that the team would still manage to control the match, and at times play some truly superb attacking football. The domination of the midfield was unbeluevable, with Everton struggling to gain control of the ball for more than a few seconds at times. The only thing that lacked was a quality finish at the end of each move, but it wasn't to be. Everton still managed to gain credit through their goalkeeper and at times their defence, however if Spurs'd been at full strength, this could well have been a very different story.


Saturday 8th January 2005

Tottenham Hotspur [2]: Defoe(16), Guarin(64)
Stoke City [0]:

All bar Jermaine Defoe, it was as you were from the previous week against Everton for this League Cup match. With the bulk of players rested, this match took a while to get going, unlike the previous, but when it did, Spurs managed to keep hold of the ball and work it well, earning their place in the next round, and getting one step closer to the Millenium Stadium.


Wednesday 12th January 2005

Arsenal [1]: Gilberto(73)
Tottenham Hotspur [0]: Kanoute(14,25,89)

Going into the match against Arsenal, i honestly thought that the game was to be as tough as that with Chelsea, and i was right. An Arsenal side that were second in the table, seemingly matching Chelsea for every point, and dominating their opponents with hefty scoreline's to show for it. Arsenal started strong, holding possession in their own half, before pieces of attacking football through Henry and Pires, but they never seemed to get inside the box, and the long shots didn't phase Robinson between the sticks. After a couple of Arsenal attacks, the tables turned, only this time, the ball ended up in the back of the net. A swift counter attack along the right with Davies, a crossed ball, and a Kanoute half volley to the bottom corner. That really did kick the Gooners hard, and the only way to knock them back again, was to take control. That is exactly what the lads did. Superb wide play through McFadden and Davies, enabeling the midfield to advance up the field, forcing Campbell at the back to worry about who to mark. Kanoute got on the end of a corner just before the half hour mark which sent the Spurs fans crazy! After the break Spurs again took control, creating attacking chances, but nothing really materialised as the Arsenal defence harderned up at half time. Gilberto finished of a cool counter attack for the reds with 15 minutes to go making Tottenham sweat for the points, but Kanoute rounded it up jst before the end with a fantastic strike into the top corner, just inside the area.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Well, what can you say! We've just taken apart one of the best sides in the modern game. I'm extatic about the result, i couldn't have asked for anything more from the boys, anything at all. Solid at the back, Henry was snuffed out by Kompany all game and never saw the light of day back there. Kanoute was phoenominal, that boy's a real talent and i'm so pleased he's here at Spurs. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>



Saturday 15th January 2005

Aston Villa [0]:
Tottenham Hotspur [2]: Kanoute(64), Weah(70)

Confidence flowed throughout the side during this match, and dispite Mark Smallwood's desperate efforts, Tottenham dominated the game. This showed late on in the second half after two goals in 6 minutes from the on form Kanoute and impressive George Junior Weah. Up to second in the league, 4 points clear of Arsenal, who could only draw at Birmingham. One down point from the game was another injury to the somewhat prone Defoe on the half hour mark.


Saturday 22ns January 2005

Sunderland [1]: Brown(86)
Tottenham Hotspur [2]: Weah(5), Kanoute(76)

The third round of the legendary FA Cup drew Spurs against lower league opposition in the form of AFC Sunderland. Spurs saw it fit to rest a couple of players, gifting thr promising youthful wing back Stephen Kelly a chance in the first team. Sunderland were hit by a counter attack after 5 minutes, and the pace of Weah was too much for the defence, giving him time and space to slot home Tottenham's first. After the break a somewhat dodgy penalty was given to the home side after Vincent Kompany was judged to bring down Marcus Stewart in the box. Carl Robinson stepped up, and Paul Robinson watched the ball fly past him and fortunatly the post. Kanoute scored late on to make it 5 goals in 3 games for the high flying striker, and only a late rare Robinson error in the penalty area was enough to offer Sunderland any form of hope. A reasonably comfortable third round tie even with a fairly shakey goalkeeper in the shape of Paul Robinson.



Saturday 29th January 2005

Tottenham Hotspur [1]: Kompany(17)
Manchester City [1]: Anelka(67)

Leo Hardy's side produced everything and anything they could muster up within the first 10 minutes, with looping balls and different kind of movements in the Spurs half that baffled many of the home players and fans alike, yet they couldn't produce a goal. A very strong City side came to White Hart Lane and against a tiring Tottenham side, they faired quite well. The deadlock was broken on 17 minutes when Vincent Kompany headed home after a far post corner from Davies to secure his first goal for the club. The tactical changes flowed and changed practically every 5 minutes, to the point where the substitutes for City were holding up notices to inform the team of the changes. Hardy even took the 4th official's board to indicate a change in formation for his side's team in their push for something out of the game. On 67 minutes they got their goal, and a well worked one at that, pushing down the right hand side spinning Tarricco like a plate on a stick before Anelka took charge and buried one in the back of the net. Dispite a late Tottenham surge, yet more tactical changes and a red card for Danny Mills in the final minutes, the scoreline stayed the same.


Wednesday 2nd February 2005

Middlesborough [2]: Hasselbaink(7,33), Viduka(83)
Tottenham Hotspur [2]: Defoe(45), Carrick(67)

This match will be remembered by 'boro fans for years to come, as it seemed to be their team's finest hour. A marvelous display by Richard Liggins' men throughout the game showed why English football is the best in the world. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink glided through the defence scoring two marvelous goals of top quality in the first half an hour. A Defoe goal on half time gave the away side a glimmer of hope, but as the whistle blew the momentum seemed to stop dead. 'Boro came out for the second half with the same attitude as they did in the first, but this time Spurs matched them. A goal from substitute Michael Carrick in the 67th minute meant that Ligs would have to gear up his team one more time for a final surge against one of the most on form teams in the country. They threw on number '99' Philips, who bewildered the defenders who thought they were seeing double with the number, who sprinted through the defence of Spurs and set up Mark Viduka with minutes to spare. A shoddy refareing display marred the game a little, after providing more cards than clinton's could ever provide, with a free kick and/or booking for nigh on every tackle made.


Saturday 5th February 2005

Tottenham Hotspur [1]: Defoe(40)
Bolton Wanderers [2]: Okocha(25pen), Mansiz(84)

The ever critical David Pagi brought his ever changing Bolton side down to London in hope of three points. In a team full of players all of which are to be shipped out come the end of the season, i didn't really see what they had to offer against us, but yet again terrible refareing decisions went against Spurs, giving Bolton the edge. An extreme joke of a decision for the penalty, as diving in the box proved to be worthy of a penalty. Okocha stepped up and calmly slotted it home for Pagi's men. Matt Messias continued to have a nightmare booking players almost as frequent as the ref in the previous match against 'Boro. Defoe scored his 16th of the season just before halftime, but this only seemed to anger Messias more. At half time Pagi was seen entering the refaree's room with a packet of HobNob's and a flask. Kanoute saw this happen, and as the ref emerged, he spoke to him about it. Kanoute was booked in the tunnel for aparent violent behavior. The second half brought no change to the game at all, as the ref yet again offered a penalty to Bolton. A wound up Robinson saved Okocha's second spot kick of the afternoon, before booting the ball down the field in anger. Mansiz showed skill to weave in and out of the left side of the field, going around the lindsman at one point to move inside and then score a good goal, in the only diecent move Bolton made all day. Defoe signalled that the ball was off the pitch as Mansiz took it round the lino, but the ref wasn't interested, and instead offered only a red card to Jermaine. 5 minutes to go and thegame was all but over, another shocking bunch of refaree's decisions costing points at the top of the table.


Saturday 12th February 2005

Southampton [1]: Beattie(43)
Tottenham Hotspur [3]: Guarin(10), Kanoute(22,89)

After being made to look at the league table over and over again, the Spurs players must've been fired up for this one, at the thought of entering the Champions Legaue next year, and the promise of an £8.57 bonus for each player included in such squad. A very good performance from Tottenham, shown off through Freddy Guarin's free kick on 10 minutes. A truly superb bending freekick right into the top corner set the tone for the away side. A much more attacking Tottenham kept possession of the ball throughout and scored another fantastic goal through Kanoute on 22 minutes. Although Beattie scored late on, it didn't offer much in the way of a chance for a comeback for the Saints, as Tottenham pushed on and late on nicked a third goal. A rest for Simon Davies and a second spot in the league was what Spurs got out of the game, and all to their credit.


Saturday 19th February 2005

Tottenham Hotspur [5]: Weah(5), Guarin(38), McFadden(45), Kanoute(49,90)
Arsenal [1]: Edu(36)

Simply Magnificent. I dont think any other words can express my feelings towards this match. The complete team performance. Everybody worked for everybody, everyone celebrated the goals together and a real team ethic was felt. A number of Arsenal fans left at half time in shame after conceding 3 in 45 to their most fierce rivals. A Phoenominal performance, and without the suspended Jermaine Defoe.


Saturday 5th March 2005

Tottenham Hotspur [0]:
Arsenal [1]: Bellamy(40)

Internationals took place last week, and to be honest Spurs just weren't ready to face Arsenal again. After distroying the Highbury based side previously, they went to pieces after Bellamy scored the only goal of the match. After a decent half time team talk, Spurs went out with an attacking attitude, to which Arsenal did what nobody expected....they put 11 men behind the ball, with 6 men at the back. The chance for a Tottenham equaliser was slim, and Arsenal whittled out any chance that arose. A much better organised Arsenal team came at a rather tired and unprepared Spurs side. A disheartening loss after such a fantastic win previously, down to forth in the league, such dissapointment.


Saturday 12th March 2005

Birmingham City [2]: Aliadiere(3), Dunn(36)
Tottenham Hotspur [2]: Guarin(83), Kompany(87)

A less than comfortable draw at St Anderews was the outcome of the clash of these two giants. Brum must've been watching Spurs closely over the past couple of weeks, because they seemed to know how every move was going to go. A quick paced attacking Birmingham team scored two goals that really took the wind out of Tottenham's sails. A very dissapointing game for away fans, that was until the 83rd minute. An attacking bit of play lead to a change in tactics, and fortune as Guarin knocked home another of his now trademark freekicks. Kompany on as sub stormed through the Brum defence late on and pelted home a crucial shot that took the fixture to a replay. A great bit of tactical play from the Spurs boss enabeled this on going cup run to continue. A replay of the quater final at White Hart Lane in a couple of week's time could well be the making or breaking of Spurs this season.

retired_hollieo

Excellent report again Sam.

Lets hope we see a few updates from the stragglers this week. You know who you are. :p

retired_teresa assis

NEWSFLASH!!

Boro's Euro adventure continues!

That's right, the lads continue to confound the pundits and defy the odds, and have made it to the semi's of the UEFA Cup to face the might of Borussia Dortmund, Rosicky et al.

Full Report to Follow

retired_teresa assis

UEFA Cup 2nd knockout stage 2nd leg: Besiktas 1-2 Boro agg 2-2 (Boro win on away goals)

After the first leg, expectations weren't high, but Hasselbaink (5, 10) gave Boro a start they couldn't have though possible in their wildest dreams. Ibrahim (21) scored a carbon copy of his first leg goal, heading home at the near post from a corner, to put the tie in the balance. Besiktas pushed for the goal they needed, but Boro defended well and had chances of their own. In the end, a great result for the lads.

Boro 2-1 Villa

A close game that Boro just about deserved to win. Hasselbaink (15) scored from the spot after Laursen fouled Downing, only for Angel (25) to equalise. The winner came midway throgh the second half, Butt (67) heading home Doriva's corner.

FA Cup quarter final: Boro 1-0 Man Utd

A great performance, the scorline doesn't do it justice. Hasselbaink (51) got the only goal

Man City 2-0 Boro

By this stage Boro had 2 different teams operating: their first 11 in the cups, and a second 11 in the league. Boro had the better of this game, but were caught cold early on by Giovanni (4, 19). All credit to Leo Hardy nevertheless

UEFA Cup quarter final 1st leg: Liverpool 1-1 Boro

Liverpool, Anfield, European night, You'll Never Walk Alone, marvellous, isn't it, hmm? Well no, not in the first half anyway. Boro were over-awed on their most important game in their history, lucky to be only 1-0 down at the break, Rensing finally beaten by Smicer (33).
The 2nd half was a much tighter affair, and when Steve Finnan hacked down Hakan Yakin, half-fit sub Hasselbaink scored from the spot (81) to give Boro an undeserved but valuable away goal, and mean the return leg at the Riverside started level

Norwich 1-1 Boro

Despite the complaints and worries in the media of Murphy and Nielsen, Boro's 2nd string didn't roll over and let relegation candidates win. Boro were the better team throughout and were frustrated by the skill of keeper Green, who saved practically everything. Jonson (41) put the visitors ahead against the run of play, and it wasn't until Nemeth (71) finally beat Green that the Pompey and Everton managers could breathe a bit more easily.

UEFA Cup quarter final 2nd leg: Boro 1-1 Liverpool aet, agg 2-2, Boro win 5-4 on pens.

Well this was it, the big one, could Boro reach the last 4? The team new a 0-0 draw would be enough, but could they hold off Liverpool for 90 minutes?

10 mins Bopp hits the post
28 mins Cisse's shot from 18 yards deflects off Eddie Pope past Rensing. 0-1
32 mins Boro had to respond quickly, and they did, Queudrue firing in from 25 yards past Dudek. 1-1
52 mins Faber injured, on comes Sun Jihai
81 mins Boatend injured, on comes Mendieta. Downing also replaced by Morrison.
90 mins Full time. Bopp off injured, Boro down to 10 men.
The 2nd half barely contained a chance for either team, the tie had become to tense for either team to take any risks.
106 mins Hasselbaink off injured, Boro down to 9 men
120mins Full time, the lottery of penalties awaits.

Mendieta: scores 1-0
Carragher: scores 1-1
Butt: scores 2-1
Luis Garcia: scores 2-2
Sun Jihai: scores 3-2
Sinama-Pongolle: scores 3-3
Ehiogu: saved 3-3
Diouf: saved 3-3
Morison: saved 3-3
Riise, to win: saved 3-3
Yakin: Chris Waddles's it over 3-3
Josemi, to win: wide 3-3
Pope: scores 4-3
Hamann: scores 4-4
Queudrue: scores 5-4
Gerrard: SAVED 5-4

Rensing the hero, the Riverside erupts, Boro are through to the semi's of the UEFA Cup. No-one will forget this night in a hurry.



The league form has now become irrelevant - anywhere between 9th-14th is likely, and with 2 tough games against Dortmund, plus an FA Cup semi final to come (just 33 days after the heroics against Liverpool) against Birmingscum, who've done the double over us in the league, where we finsh there isn't all that important. What is crucial is that we beat Birmingham, as with Chelsea looking the most likely cup final oppponents (sorry Chris) that would mean Europe again. That's assuming we don't win the UEFA Cup that is

Worrying is the number of injuries that are occuring. Will the lads be able to make it through the end of the season in tact? Only about a month to go, but the last 2 months have been very hectic, and the next 4 weeks look even busier.

Up the Boro!

retired_hollieo

Relegation Battle Update - who will go? Newcastle, Portsmouth or Everton?

With six games to left to save their Premiership skins, Everton's manager Niall Murphy today responded to the fear of relegation that is engulfing the blue half of Merseyside. His side currently sit uncomfortably in 17th place.

Moreover, just when Everton needed all their best players available to pick up valuable points, the Toffees have been hit by a sudden injury crisis ruling out star players Hysen, Gravesen, Zurawski, Calaio, Selakovic and Sivok. Rumours are sweeping Merseyside that Andy Nilsen was spotted in the city wearing a balaclava and wielding a baseball bat in the dead of night. These stories are currently unsubstantiated.

With the gap between Everton and Newcastle in 18th place a meagre four points and with Portsmouth a point clear of the blues, Murphy was philosophical as always:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
There is no point in me coming on here and misleading the supporters but it has to be pointed out that the terrible and unjust decision by the English Football Association to dock the club nine points has put us into a spot of bother. Clearly, without this unwarranted intervention we would have more than enough points on the board to be comfortable at this stage, and it would be a straight scrap between the real poor sides this season - Portsmouth and Newcastle for the final relegation place.

We have to face facts and we have a vital away fixture at Crystal Palace approaching and with hard fixtures against Manchester United and Liverpool to play at home, we need to take the three points at Selhurst to put the onus back on Newcastle and Portsmouth. The last thing we need is for the situation to drag onto the last day of the season. Although the hype surrounding the relegation dogfight would probably be the biggest in EPL history - a showdown with Nilsen's Portsmouth at Fratton Park on the final day wouldn't be good for anybody's nerves. Nilsen knows we are capable of beating his side anywhere.

We have a large number of injuries to contend with but we'll be fighting with our last drop of sweat to ensure this travesty doesn't occur. With three points at the Palace we can go a long way to securing survival.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

retired_punk_and_roses

Come on newcastle



Good luck Niall.

retired_hollieo

Just checked my hotmail and I must have about 20 emails from applicants, a lot I think due to the demise of FM Fanatics. While it's great to see so many players applying, I unfortunately can't take in everyone and I haven't got the time to email everyone personally.

Basically, I have promised a place to Dunga for season two and may take one more player, but with the current hosting difficulties with 4.1.2. we may stick with 11 until we see what the score is with 4.1.3. as unfortunatley we are not one of the clans that has been asked to test it.

In the meantime, if people are genuinely interested, the best thing to do is leave details on our forum link on the website, and I'll get back to you as soon as I have further information.

Thanks all for getting in touch.

Niall