Source: Northern_Echo
Middlesbrough 1 Peterborough 0
Middlesbrough 1 Peterborough 0[LNB] THE last time this many Scots were witnessed running amok on Teesside was when the armies of Robert the Bruce and his son, David II, were seen by locals chasing the troops of Edward II and, later, Edward III, back to London almost 700 years ago.[LNB] And the way Gordon Strachan's mixed army of Scots started against London Roadbased Peterborough on Saturday it looked as if history was repeating itself.[LNB] When Strachan's captain, Barry Robson, struck a decisive blow after only seven minutes it appeared the Scotsled side would run riot and equal anything their forebears achieved.[LNB] Stephen McManus, Lee Miller, Jonathan Franks, Robson and Josh Walker, in for the injured Gary O'Neil, all went close to putting Jim Gannon's Posh further to the sword in the first half.[LNB] Yet after the break the performance was a total contradiction of the first half, resembling a tepid historical reenactment, with the actors going through the motions, rather than some marauding mob hell-bent on bloody revenge.[LNB] And in the end the hosts were fortunate that a brave David Wheater block in injury time ensured a triumph was secured on Teesside.[LNB] The Middlesbrough skipper made it known that while the side were happy to extend there unbeaten run to six, and win back-to-back matches for the first time since mid-September, they and their manager were not pleased with the exhibition at the Riverside.[LNB] It was pleasing to get the win and score but the performance wasn't great, acknowledged Robson, who netted his first goal for Boro since his move from Celtic last month. The manager sets high standards and we never reached them.[LNB] It is good when you win and you're not playing well.[LNB] That is a sign of a decent side.[LNB] But the manager is disappointed with that and we know we need to change that and make sure we are better in the next game.[LNB] The other night (against Barnsley) we bossed the game and we showed how good we can be, and in the first 15 minutes on Saturday we looked really good and I thought we were going to go on and repeat that, but we didn't.[LNB] Scott McDonald echoed the sentiments of his captain.[LNB] The £3.5m striker said: It was tough. Two games in four days and we got really slack in the second half. All in all we have a disappointed changing room.[LNB] We won 1-0 but Peterborough had chances to nick a goal at the end. I suppose it was nice to get a bit of luck in that sense, get the three points and keep on track for promotion.[LNB] The manager was frustrated with the performance and so were the players, so we'll be looking for a massive improvement on Tuesday night.[LNB] Yet despite the disjointed display, previously disillusioned supporters finally witnessed what the new manager is trying to achieve.[LNB] Willo Flood once again revealed why he has quickly become such a fans' favourite with another energetic and tenacious display down the right.[LNB] The burgeoning central defensive partnership of Wheater and McManus showed promise and looked assured.[LNB] Jonathan Franks, who provided Robson with the opportunity to open his Boro account, justified his inclusion with an assist and busy show down the left.[LNB] And, despite the obvious lack of match practice, Mc- Donald revealed glimpses of what a good signing he will turn out to be when he steps up his fitness levels.[LNB] But, undoubtedly, the best player on the day was Robson, who stamped his authority on the proceedings from the first whistle.[LNB] At times, the former Hoops playmaker resembled a pedantic traffic warden, directing all the traffic and driving his side forward, while putting his foot in where it hurts when it mattered. His manager agreed and said his captain had indeed grabbed the game by the scruff of its neck.[LNB] Strachan said of his new recruits: Scott's (McDonald) coming back from an injury and he really shouldn't be playing at the moment. Willo Flood and Robbo have been excellent and Stephen (Mc- Manus) has been terrific.[LNB] It's easier for them. They know my terminology and can pass it on to the players.[LNB] They've been exceptional at that.[LNB] And once the rest of the Middlesbrough team learn the language of the Scots then the team promises to follow in the footsteps of their famous Scottish ancestors and run the English teams out of Teesside and, hopefully, march on to glory.[LNB] Match facts Goals:[LNB] 1-0: (7, Barry Robson nets from 15 yards following Jonathan Franks' cross from the byline)[LNB] Bookings: Robson (40, foul); Fecklington (66, foul)[LNB] Referee: John Moss (Leeds) The match official allowed play to ebb and flow without too much incident 8[LNB] Attendance: 18,417[LNB] Entertainment: [LNB] MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2):[LNB] 7 Coyne: Largely uncalled upon apart from one fine save in the first half and a scramble at the end[LNB] 6 Naughton: Supported Flood well going forward and untroubled defensively[LNB] 6 McManus: Solid throughout and never give the opposing strikers a sniff[LNB] 6 Wheater: Another who strolled through the game without much fuss[LNB] 6 Bennett: Filled in at left back admirably getting forward and tucking in defensively[LNB] 7 Flood: Busy and tenacious and tortured the left back, especially before the break[LNB] 6 Walker: Neat and tidy and unlucky not to open his Boro account[LNB] 8 ROBSON: Inspirational throughout leading his team forward[LNB] 7 Franks: Busy up and down the flanks and did well to get an assist[LNB] 6 Miller: Good hold up play and brought players into the game 6McDonald: Still not 100 per cent fit but showed glimpses of what he can do.[LNB] Subs:[LNB] Aliadiere (for Miller, 55): Worked a couple of openings but couldn't find the target 5[LNB] Hoyte (for Walker, 60): Mucked in and continued spoiler role in the middle of the park 5[LNB] Lita (for McDonald, 75) (not used): Steele (gk), Taylor, Williams, Grounds[LNB] PETERBOROUGH UNITED (4-4-2):[LNB] Lewis 7; Lee 5 (Reid 52, 5), Morgan 5, Bennett 6, Williams 5 (Simpson 52, 5) Frecklington 5; Livermore 5, Whelpdale 6, Rowe 5; Boyd 6, McLean 5 (Mackail-Smith 82).[LNB] (not used): McKeown (gk), Mills, Griffiths, Geohaghon[LNB] MAN OF THE MATCH[LNB] BARRY ROBSON gritty, determined and an inspirational midfield performance.[LNB]
