Source: Northern_Echo
Scunthorpe United 0 Middlesbrough 2
Scunthorpe United 0 Middlesbrough 2
AT THIS rate Middlesbrough fans might actually start to like life in the Championship.
For the first time under Gareth Southgates management, his team have won successive league games on the road and in some style.
A trip to Scunthorpe United on a Tuesday night may not sound the most appealing of fixtures to a following more familiar to a decade of Premier League action.
But after a pulsating encounter at Glanford Park, this season might be quite a good experience for the 2,100- strong contingent from Teesside, whose side are unbeaten in three and yet to concede a goal.
Adam Johnson, who scored one sensational volley before adding, and missing, a penalty, illustrated once again that he is more than capable of filling the void left by Stewart Downing.
At this rate, though, it could be more about keeping hold of him after three goals in two matches.
While Johnson impressed again, however, there was more to this performance than the skilful winger.
Defensively, with Robert Huth and David Wheater standing firm, Boro showed a resilience that was so often lacking last season.
Scunthorpe were full of endeavour and intent in front of their own supporters, but they found it impossible to breakdown the Boro back-line; when they did, goalkeeper Danny Coyne again showed why Southgate decided to sign him.
As a result, even if Huth was fortunate to stay on the pitch after he pushed Scunthorpe striker Paul Hayes to the ground, Southgate secured a second league away win a row for Boro the first time since Steve McClarens final season in charge.
It is an indication of the different expectation levels at both clubs that this was the first time in 42 years that Middlesbrough have faced Scunthorpe in the league.
Nevertheless, while one has serious eyes on Premier League football again next season, for now there is little between the two.
Scunthorpe threatened to open the scoring twice in the opening few minutes.
The outstanding Rhys Williams was responsible for throwing himself into a Matt Sparrow shot from 18 yards and then Coyne held from Hayes, when the striker was put clear of the defence.
Scunthorpes decision to play with attack in mind, however, played into Boros hands.
There had already been danger signs to the Iron when Leroy Lita had forced Joe Murphy into a save after turning Thornaby-born Rob Jones.
So when Scunthorpe, who had forced a corner when Martyn Woolfords volley deflected inches wide, went in search of the opener, they merely played into Boros hands.
Having defended the corner well, the red shirts moved forward down the left. Gary ONeil, with Emnes providing an option further down the wing, turned back, looked up, and picked out the onrushing Johnson, whose volley was a mark of his quality.
It was the England Under-21 internationals second in as many matches, proving once again why he is regarded so highly across the country.
Despite regularly pushing forward, Scunthorpe found it difficult to find a breakthrough, even though a terrific 25-yard drive from Grant McCann flew a few too many millimetres over the crossbar four minutes before the break.
That left Middlesbrough clear to extend their advantage after the restart, even if there was more than a hint of good fortune about it much to the home fans frustration.
Michael OConnor looked to have made a successful, albeit desperate, challenge on Williams inside the area, only for referee Michael Oliver to point to the spot just 90 seconds after the restart.
Johnsons first penalty was saved by Murphy, who then tripped the winger to concede a swift second spot-kick.
Showing incredible maturity, the 22-year-old quickly grabbed the ball and made no mistake this time.
After Huth was fortunate to escape with a yellow card for his reaction to Hayes challenge near the touchline, Scunthorpe were incensed and the intensity of the match reached new levels.
Wheater cleared off the line from a Jones header, Coyne made a terrific back post save to deny an unmarked Gary Hooper.
There was a sense, though, that Boro had more goals in them but, after Murphy had denied Lita with a fine low save, Southgate and his men had to be content with what they had achieved.
Matchfacts
Goals: Johnson (0-1, 28; 0-2, pen 50)
Bookings: OConnor (foul, 47); Murphy (foul, 48); Hayes (foul, 54); Huth (retaliation, 54); Sparrow (foul, 64); Yeates (foul, 68)
Referee: Michael Oliver (Ashington) 6
Attendance: 8,274
Entertainment:
SCUNTHORPE UNITED (4-4-2): Murphy 7; Byrne 6, Jones 7, Spence 6, Williams 6; Sparrow 6 (Thompson 84), OConnor 7 (Wright 53, 5), McCANN 7, Woolford 7; Hooper 6 , Hayes 6. Subs (not used): Lillis (gk), Togwell, Forte, Canavan, Morris
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Coyne 7; McMahon 7, Huth 7, Wheater 8, Grounds 7; Yeates 6 (Arca 84), ONeil 7, WILLIAMS 8, Johnson 7 (Hoyte 90); Lita 5 (Tuncay 74), Emnes 6.
Subs (not used): Taylor, Franks, Hines, Steele (gk)
MAN OF THE MATCH RHYS Williams Johnson stole the show but the Australians blocks epitomised Boros defensive spirit
