BACK TO ARCHIVE INDEX © All written site content is copyright ComeOnBoro.com 2004-2007, unless otherwise stated, and is not to be used without prior permission.	SHEFFIELD UNITED 2 MIDDLESBROUGH 1, Premier League, Saturday 30 September 2006 The games against Notts County and Blackburn were not what any Boro fan would have predicted, and the losses were made worse by the lacklustre way that the games were played. This evening was a massive match for Boro, not only for points to climb the table with but also to restore confidence all round. Starting with a 4-4-2 formation, which was a good choice considering the opening line up - our strongest team available - and Southgate promised that things would be done his way and he was ready for action. Schwarzer, Davies, Woodgate (cap), Pogatetz, Taylor, Morrison (Mendieta 71), Cattermole, Rochemback, Downing, Viduka, Yakubu. Turnbull, Parnaby, Bates, Maccarone Just about the first kick of the ball was a foul on Andrew Davies, but nothing came of Woodgate's free kick. Downing was creating the space and the play needed at the off but the home team were determined to put pressure on the Boro. This was going to be an unpredictable game. At seven Morrison and Downing attempted a promising run on the left towards Vids and Yak, but this was thwarted by Bromby who received a yellow for a late challenge on Downing. The resulting free kick was taken by Rochemback at 30 yards, but easily parried by Kenny. So far Boro had increased the tempo and pace from previous games, but this had not resulted in any shots on goal from open play. The first attempt on goal by The Blades came on the break but Schwarzer was never in any danger from Hulse's effort. This was the first of three efforts to open the scoring, but it was a case of hope over skill. It was Boro who turned the heat up when Cattermole came to life and tried to link in with Yakubu, Sheffield made a hash of defending, allowing Cattermole to put the ball back but in the box but Boro were eventually denied by Davis. The next incident of note was the first Boro corner from Downing after a Blade, there were plenty of red shirts in the penalty area, but the ball headed out by Clive Davis, well handled by Sheffield. At 21 minutes the away crowd collectively rose to their feet as Yakubu took hold of the ball went 1 on 1 on the inside right, but missed an absolute sitter when he hit the post instead of blasting across the keeper. There was no doubt that even taking into account the angle this should have opened the scoring, and Yak's drought was still in force. This was the best chance of the match so far. Then almost immediately it was Woody's turn to look like finding the back of the net, but he put it wide. It was offside in any case, but encouraging to see that opportunities were being created. Hulse brilliantly tackled by Taylor who would have been very dangerous otherwise. The crowd were entertained by a battle here. From then on the game opened up and both sides started to use whatever weaponry they could muster. Goals were in the air and each side were challenging the other to raise their game. Downing switched briefly to the right when results were not forthcoming on the left, and there was plenty of end to end argy-bargy. Then on 33, Rochemback picked up the ball in the centre circle, playing it skilfully to the Yak only for Jagielka to put it out of play. Again it was Rocky who took the resulting corner on the left, but even with 4 Boro players outside the box Jagielka once more was too good for the Boro attack. But then an unmarked Hulse got the ball on the break, and opened the scoring to net the first of the match and his 3rd of the season, courtesy of Boro allowing the space and not marking him. He didn't need this invitation twice. Sheffield United 1 Middlesbrough 0 (Hulse 33) Boro then lost all shape and had no structure, what happened to the formation? Why swap positions around to baffle the opposition if control is not there in the first place? The Blades were throwing themselves forward and Boro need to dig deep to recover from this.Indeed for the next 5 minutes it was Sheffield Utd that were riding high on the momentum of the goal whilst Boro attempted to pick themselves up. With three minutes to go until the first 45 Woody was booked on for a foul on Quinn, The free kick was taken by Tonge who crossed to Armstrong, and eventually led to a corner. There was a feeling that Boro were lucky not to escape with worse as there was not much evidence of back up for Morrison. With only 2 added minutes of time for the first half, it was Sheffield Utd who were trying the hardest to change the scoreline, with two shots, the second of which was just off target, otherwise they would have succeeded as Schwarzer was beaten. The half time count up showed that it was Sheffield Utd 8 Boro 1 for crosses, which, despite Boro's increased pace, went part way to explain the scoreline. THE SECOND HALF Boro needed to establish a foothold in this game and delay gifting The Blades their first home win of the season. Initially things were not looking stable as Cattermole was booked after momentum carried him into Armstrong and was judged a foul, probably correctly. But the free kick that was taken on the left wing gave Boro opportunity to go for the break, succeeded, and Pogatetz managed an excellent long ball hook. As Sheff Utd's defenders had gone completely missing, Yakubu did exactly what he should have done in the first half which was go 1 on 1 and expertly dipping the ball low underneath Kenny to score for the first time since 1909. Sheffield United 1 Middlesbrough 1 (Yakubu 48) As Boro came to life it was Mad Dog who stopped yet another Blade attempt on goal. Whatever Southgate had blasted in the dressing room appeared to be working for the moment. The game had turned extremely interesting, with pressure being piled on all sides, and plenty of energy. On 60 Downing finally managed the world class cross that he was capable of, unfortunately Viduka just misssed getting a touch on it. By this time there was a real feeling that play was getting consolidated. There were several more threats from Utd, with Schwarzer expertly saving and Woodgate giving temporary safety. Gillespie was looking like a threat but the back four had started to settle down by now and were coping with the ongoing attacks, Davies and Taylor in particular looking strong under captain Woody's guidance. In all the tension Downing got very upset after a disputed challenge from Liegertwood and started to argue with Gillespie, eventually needing to be calmed down by the officials and the Gaffer. Once play re-started there was a return to Boro competing well but being forced into backtracking as the game continued to be as open as a Tescos petrol station, with continual end to end battling. The first change for Boro came on 71 minutes with Mendieta on for Morrison which was initially baffling as Morrison had been strong so far. It was clear that Boro's play was effective in the main, but a better result was still not forthcoming. INTO THE RED ZONE As the darkness fell at Bramall Lane neither side was prepared to settle for a point. Webber showed a terrific display of ball carrying, managed to beat Woodgate after a terrific run with pace and power, Schwarzer was just about on it but the shot was marginally off target. This display highlighted exactly what we are missing from the current squad on the right hand side. Shortly afterwards Viduka attempted a go on goal at the other end, but was outnumbered by Blades. As Gillespie was replaced by Nade shortly before 90, last chances were still being sought by both sides. Just as Boro hopes of a decent point or better were raised, with all action at the Boro end Viduka gave the ball away, landing straight to Webber who again showed how he could chase the ball straight into the penalty area. This was safely cleared by Davies but then an amazing Jagielka goal came from nowhere as the centre half chested the ball and blasted it right footed past Skippy who had absolutely no chance. Sheffield United 2 Middlesbrough 1 (Jagielka 90) And that was essentially that. Even though the winning goal was stunning, for Boro there was only despair, with little comfort to be taken from the much improved performance. Final Whistle 1909 Report Online 1915 SEND THIS TO A FRIEND SHEFFIELD UNITED FANS WELCOME IN THE NEW HOLGATE MESSAGE BOARD SHEFFIELD UNITED v BORO MATCH PROGRAMME INDEX
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