It was a day to forget at the Riverside, we didn’t get going from the start, giving Leeds far too much space and time. Leeds were much quicker, organised and more up for the game than we were. Winning the majority of 50-50’s, Becchio was winning a lot of headers. There were two errors at the back for the Leeds goals even then there was plenty of time left in the match, it was just like when we played Burnley at home this season. We seemed to fizzle out with the team lacking any real belief to get back in to the game. Overall a terrible display, simply not good enough on the day to deserve anything from.
It wasn’t an end of season game with nothing to play for, there was so much more at stake. We had our strongest team possible out there with only Scott McDonald missing through injury. We are in the top 6 as we have been all season. I am not sure why we weren’t up for the game but there is no time to dwell on it now. We could have done without it especially when the game was broadcasted on national TV. It was an ideal opportunity to try and put on a display to get fans back to the Riverside. We need attendances like this and against Hull and Sunderland at every home game this season. It’s all part of the match day experience; a decent atmosphere and getting Riverside Rocking again.
It was a bad defeat to take but no defeat is nice. The performance wasn’t acceptable and we will need to be on our game in the last 11 games. Let’s hope we get an instant reaction, after a good week of training to help bounce back against Birmingham and West Ham on the road. We have 2 away games before we come back to the Riverside, with Plan B against our next opponents Bristol City.
I don’t understand the way we’re set up at home by having forwards out wide and so distant from each other. We don’t seem to attack in numbers at home like we do away. We are too goal shy at the Riverside at times and that needs to change if we are going to stay in the top 6. I’m sure Mowbray will be thinking of ways to mix it up. We have played 3-5-2 this season with our full backs pushing on which has worked well away from home. I’m not sure that’s the way to go when we have got Adam Hammill on the wing and I would like us to give Adam Reach a run out on the other wing. He looked good when he came on against Sunderland and he could be a good option for us while Robson is suspended for the next 3 games.
It is vital we come away from Saturday’s game v Birmingham with at least a point. With Cardiff winning at the weekend they are only 2 points behind us and we are looking over our shoulder a bit now. Birmingham and Hull have a game in hand over us having played 34 games. They are not far behind us now, a win for Birmingham would put them level with us on points plus a game in hand. We need to get back on form for every one of the 11 games is a cup final.
Boro have been in the top 6 all season and it would be a shame to miss out and crumble. Sunday’s game was a wake up call maybe on the 28th April it’s one we can look back on and say we kicked on and finished the season well with a playoff place. Let’s hope so! Saturday’s game v Birmingham won’t be easy they have only lost one game at home, though they are similar to us at home in having drawn 7 games. We are better on the road, so it should be an interesting contest.
On that note please Let the Real Boro Stand UP!
COME ON BORO!
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