Boro fight pleases Southgate
12 Nov 2007 - 12:18:23
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate was reasonably content with his side's performance in the goalless draw with Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium.
The result left Boro 17th in the Premier League table, but Southgate felt that his players had shown fighting spirit to avoid defeat against the Trotters.
He told the Northern Echo: "There are days in the Premier League where you have to roll your sleeves up and dig in. I thought we did that.
"We were forced to defend for long periods although there were a couple of stints in the game where we looked like we might break away and get something.
"The team showed the character that is needed to come to places like this and get a point. We have to keep making small forward steps.
"We've had a hell of a lot thrown at us for the last couple of months in terms of players missing and everything. The lads who played against Bolton have responded superbly.
"There was a good spirit about them throughout the week. It's not always about playing good free-flowing football."