It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.

It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.

It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.

It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.

It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.

It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.

It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.

It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.

It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.

It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.

It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.

It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.

It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.

It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.

It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.

It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.

It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.

It grates when it’s late

admin

Boro’s Dan Gilgan saw his derby-day optimism flounder early before Gareth Southgate’s side suffered late heartbreak once again.

Middlesbrough fans made the short trip to Wearside on Saturday morning looking for our first away win since the turn of the year. I was in a good mood, the sun was shining and having seen us play some pretty good football in the early stages of the season, I fancied us to get a result.

However, when the team news was announced I was a little concerned.

We were expecting to be without Tuncay, as he’d injured his knee playing for Turkey, but the absence of Mido from the starting line-up was worrying. Looking lean, mean and hungry the Egyptian forward has been our danger man so far this season, scoring four goals already. His absence left Alves as our only recognised striker with Stewart Downing being moved inside to support him.

Perhaps with Mido on the pitch we would have converted one of a string of chances that came our way as we pressed Sunderland in the first half. Alves, Downing and Adam Johnson were all denied by good saves from Craig Gordon in the Black Cat’s goal.

Stewart’s Downer

The second half was one of great frustration. Sunderland came out looking much stronger and as the game went on we seemed to lose our momentum a little. So, when we were awarded a penalty with about 20 minutes remaining I thought our luck was in.

Downing stepped up to take it and with the Boro fans waiting to erupt in celebration, he blazed the ball high over the bar! I was totally gutted, our big moment had gone and the momentum was suddenly with those horrible Mackems.

Under pressure and with the clock ticking down, all of our worst habits came back to haunt us.

We have conceded late goals in all of our Premier League games this season and the recurring nightmare returned. Two late strikes from Michael Chopra, meaning defeat at the Stadium of Light for the second year in a row. Defeat is never easy to take but losing in this manner, at this venue, is a truly horrible feeling.

Southgate must be tearing his hair out over the problem; all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game. I’m not sure what the root cause of the problem is (there’s greater football minds than mine trying to work it out), but unless a solution is found we are soon going to find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the league.

“Southgate must be tearing his hair out… all the good work he is doing is unravelling in those late stages of every game.

Dan Gilgan, Boro fan.