Middlesbrough Derby Thriller
24 September 2007
Middlesbrough 2 Sunderland 2
This was more like what we want to see! I have watched so many "non-event" matches over the last couple of seasons this was like a breath of fresh air. Two teams actually wanting to go forward and wanting to win the game as against trying "not to lose it". We even had a bit of a brawl which was more full of threats than any actual blows!
Middlesbrough will feel a bit hard done by because they were the likelier winners throughout even after Sunderland's scintillating start which produced a Grant Leadbitter goal in the second minute of the match. He was bright enough to continue his run into the box after setting up Chopra for a shot and the ball broke perfectly for him to slot home. What a start!
In fairness to 'Boro they immediately got their act together and put some decent attacks together culminating in the equaliser. Arca played the ball wide to new boy O'Neil and (as per Leadbitter) continued his run to head home despite a brave effort by Gordon to keep it out. As is the norm nowadays when players score against their former clubs, his celebration was muted.
Amazingly, before the hour mark 'Boro had been forced into making all three substitutions with Tuncay, Arca and Mido all having to leave the pitch.
Boro eventually went ahead deservedly when Stewart Downing again proved that he is no one-footed wonder by cutting inside and hitting a swerving right foot effort low into the net.
So, it looked like 'Boro had rallied round to gain a fine victory but that would be to underestimate Sunderland's fight and resilience and it was left to sub Liam Miller to volley a lovely left-footed strike over and beyond the helpless Schwarzer in the last minute to ensure that the match finished as it had started.
Phew!!
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