How do you solve a problem like Ma..(iddlesbrough)?
Saturday 5th May 2007
Attendance: 21,204
Wigan 0 Middlesbrough 1
From Middlesbrough's point of view it is an away win, three points and confirmed Premiership status for next season. From Wigan's point of view it is a disastrous home loss which drops them into the bottom three for the first time this season and leaves them needing an away win at Sheffield United to have a chance of survival.
And it could have been so different if McCulloch's header had been two inches lower rather than clipping Mark Schwarzer's bar. But 'Boro did have chances mainly through Downing and Viduka who had the chance to put the issue beyond doubt but failed to get a clean touch in front of goal.
But, as usual, it was that man Viduka who settled the game when he side-footed home from Downing's free-kick but even this was shrouded in controversy. As Downing made his run-up he slipped and actually played the ball from one foot on to the other thus striking the ball twice. By the letter of the law this should not be allowed, a point not missed by Wigan manager Paul Jewell who went "crackers"!
When your luck's out!
Mind you there are big question marks against the defence because Viduka was the only player to react and found himself in acres to knock the looping ball home.
In a very poor season, Viduka has been the shining light and, from what I hear, it is not at all certain that he will start next season at The Riverside. What a miss he would be and so difficult to replace.
So 'Boro play their last game of the season at home to Fulham and we only hope that they put on a bit of a show to give us something to look forward to next season.
But, how do you solve a problem like the boro'? Brilliant or dismal, you never know!
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