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BORO STUNNED BY NON LEAGUE OUTFIT NUNEATON
Briggsy's post match analysis
Exactly 100 places separated the two teams going into Saturday's FA Cup encounter, a distance that has never been bridged before in the history of the Cup. But make no mistake this had the potential to be a banana skin for the mighty reds. McClaren's team selection showed that he wasn't taking them lightly. The team was as follows: Jones, Parnaby, Bates, Southgate, Pogo, Morrison, Doriva, Cattermole, Mendieta, Yakubu and Viduka.
While Middlesbrough were adjusting to their unfamiliar surroundings, Nuneaton's Gez Murphy forced two fantastic saves out of keeper Brad Jones inside 6 minutes. It was a nervy start and it took 12 minutes for Middlesbrough to register their first chance. It was a free kick just off centre outside the box and was won by Yakubu. Mendieta stepped up and hit a superb shot over the wall into the top right hand corner, 1-0 MIDDLESBROUGH.
Middlesbrough were now starting to gather momentum and Stuart Parnaby forced a very good save out of Nuneaton keeper Darren Acton, after been put through by Mark Viduka. Gez Murphy again terrorised the Middlesbrough defence on 25 min, getting in behind them from a hopeful long ball downfield only to be denied again from another good save from Brad Jones.
Brad Jones was proving to be Middlesbrough's best player and was forced to make a save from a powerful volley from Stuart Whittaker on 33 min, a shot which looked destined for the top corner. Middlesbrough rallied late on in the half with Darren Acton making saves from Yakubu, James Morrison and Stuart Parnaby, but the half still ended 1-0 in their advantage.
It was a rather groggy start to the second half with Nuneaton again quicker out of the blocks. Nuneaton will feel hard done by after having a strong penalty claim turned down as Mark Noon was brought down by Gareth Southgate just minutes into the second half.
Substitute Darren Whittaker was instrumental to Nuneaton's good start to the second half. It took until 60 minutes to produce something for the away fans to shout about when a header from Mark Viduka was tipped round the post by Darren Acton. Lee Cattermole shot high and wide from the resulting corner.
Nuneaton again proved to be uneasy customers for Middlesbrough as they continued to pile pressure on the Premiership side. If it wasn't for a crucial block by Parnaby on 70 minutes from Stuart Whittaker they might have well got back on level terms. Middlesbrough had chances to put the game beyond doubt, most notably by Mark Viduka who shot high and wide with 5 min to go.
But at 1-0 there was always a chance for Nuneaton and with a minute to go they were handed a penalty as Gareth Southgate handled a ball which came in from the right. Gez Murphy stepped up and slotted it home, sending the keeper the wrong way. This sent the home crowd into delirium. In all honesty they totally deserved it and Gez Murphy was unlucky not to have more than one! The game finished one a piece, which means a replay back at The Riverside place.
These FA Cup affairs against non league opposition are always spring up a few surprises, this game certainly had more than their fair share, sadly in favour for the home side. Questions must be asked of the players' passion to win the game. The team that was sent out was more than capable of winning the tie. Also the team's concentration must be brought into question- another late goal conceded- how many of these can we afford to give away? Personally I'd send the same team out in the reply and let them earn back their pride, because they lost it out there today. To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement. Very poor.
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