SKY GAME OF THE WEEK - MATCHDAY 12/13

MIDDLESBROUGH .................... 2
CRYSTAL PALACE ................... 2

For Matchday 12/13 we turned our attention to the battle for promotion from Division 2 and the match at the Riverside Stadium between Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace. Middlesbrough are lying second top with 26 points, just two behind leaders Bristol City while Crystal Palace are in fourth with 23 points.

Middlesbrough have had mixed success since the game world started with Season 1 being their best when they won promotion to Division 1 by finishing in second behind Wolves, who were unstoppable in winning the title by 27 points. Unfortunately, with no one to steer the ship, Division 1 proved to be too tough for the North East side and they finished second bottom and were relegated back to Division 2. The relegation affected Middlesbrough badly and in Season 3 they struggled and in the end they finished in 16th place but they had been involved in a relegation battle with eight other sides and finished just 5 points clear of the bottom 3. With the world still seeing anyone other than the top clubs struggling to attract a manager, Middlesbrough still lacked leadership and Season 4 seen them once again at the wrong end of the table. Although never looking in any real danger at the bottom, two wins from the last eight games seen them finish in 20th place just 6 points above the relegation places but such was their form that if the season had lasted 4 or 5 more games they may well have been dropping into Division 3. Things became a lot steadier in Season 5 and seven games into the campaign, Middlesbrough were delighted to name their first manager, Jon James. At last Boro had someone to organise them and to improve the squad. Two wins from the first two games had the Middlesbrough fans full of hope but results became mixed as the team moved around the mid-table places and then on the last day of the year after a fine 4-1 home win over Southampton, Jon James resigned and Middlesbrough were on the hunt for a new boss. Three games without a manager brought just one point and the hunt for a new manager was stepped up. On January 12, Middlesbrough unveiled a new manager. An experienced manager with an impressive record had been attracted to the club. The capture of The Good Doctor Fox was a major coup for the club and excitement grew. The Doctor steadied the club once more and he guided the club to a safe 13th place, their best for 3 seasons. This season has seen the club become a force again in the Division with the team looking organised and sharp on the park. No major additions to the squad has seen a continuity and it has worked well. They are unbeaten at home having won 4 of 5 and the fans are enjoying the product on the park once again.
Crystal Palace also started life in Division 2 alongside Middlesbrough but the contrast between the two couldn't have been more different. A poor season seen them embroiled in a relegation battle and it was a battle that didn't end happily. Finishing second bottom of the table meant that Palace were relegated to Division 3 at the end of Season 1. It was imperative that Palace bounced back immediately or they would have to face the possibility of struggling in the lower leagues of English football. The determination of the club was clear to see and in Season 2 they romped to the Division 3 title, winning it with 107 points, 9 clear of Ipswich Town and a massive 24 points clear of the third placed team. Going into Season 3, Palace felt they had a squad that would prevent the disaster of Season 1 and they were right. Crystal Palace found themselves in the fight for promotion and in the tightest of finishes that seen the top four clubs separated by just two points, they came out top and took a league title for the second season on the trot. Division 2 champions had exceeded the dreams of the club and their ecstatic fans. Season 4 was going to be all about survival. Palace were still without a manager and although they started with a 3-1 win over West Ham, they then went 8 games without a win. Struggling at the bottom, things didn't look good but a run of 5 wins in 7 games moved them out of the relegation places. They soon returned to the bottom 3 with another poor run but then at the end of July they unveiled Dave T as their new manager. Could this be the spark to attain safety? Dave T only stayed for 8 games before Arsenal poached him, leaving a bad taste in the mouths of  staff and fans alike. Palace remained in trouble but the run of wins earlier in the season proved to be enough for them to finish in 17th and avoid the drop. A new season seen a new manager with Kun Aguero appointed manager. Two wins in the first 12 games seen Palace back down at the bottom and Kun Aguero was relieved of his duties. Four weeks later Tom Parfitt was given the task of keeping Palace in the top flight but despite all his efforts and hard work, he couldn't stop the rot and Crystal Palace were relegated. The club decided to stick with Tom and he has the task of trying to get Palace back up this season. They have started well and Tom has brought in players like Raul Garcia and goalkeeper Enyeama to help his cause.
That's the history but now the present. The Riverside was looking terrific as the fans filtered in. A crowd of  over 23,000 were inside with about 1,000 Palace fans having made the long trip north from London housed in the South East part of the ground. The teams are in and Doctor Fox has opted for the traditional 4-4-2 while Tom Parfitt has decided on the popular 3-5-2. The teams are:

MIDDLESBROUGH:  Moya; Williams, Zouma, Andreolli, Tomovic; Eysseric, Muriqui, Cattermole, Henrique; Gyan, Borini.

CRYSTAL PALACE:  Enyeama; Hangeland, Stones, Silvestre; Bolasie, Garcia, Ledley, Rafinha, Deulofeu; Love, Aduriz.

The teams were on the pitch and the first thought was if nervousness would play a part this early in the season. It was a chance for both clubs to make a statement of saying they mean business and promotion would be the only option. Palace won the toss and they would be kicking off towards the New Holgate End. Love and Aduriz got us underway as the noise rose to a new level. Palace attempted the first attack as the ball was played out to Bolasie but he was stopped in his tracks by Henrique, showing the Boro midfield were willing to track back. There were four minutes on the clock when Middlesbrough created the first chance. Cattermole picked the ball up in midfield and he moved forward before playing it into the feet of Gyan just on the edge of the Palace box. Gyan spotted Henrique making a run into the inside left position and rolled the ball out to him. The Brazilian showed great strength as he shrugged off a couple of challenges before finding himself in the box with a shooting opportunity. He had one look up before trying to place the ball in the far right corner of the net but he didn't get any power into the shot and Enyeama comfortably saved with both hands. Henrique looked disgusted with himself, obviously feeling he had let a great opportunity to give Boro an early lead go. Middlesbrough had settled first and had control of the midfield as Palace tried to get into some sort of rhythm. The visitors were finding it tough to trouble Boro's well drilled back four who were looking calm and collected. It was Boro who created the next opening on 11 minutes when good play in the middle of the park led to Cattermole feeding Muriqui just outside the area. A quick feint to the inside and Muriqui was able to slip the ball through to Borini, who went for the early shot only to see Enyeama leap to his left to turn the ball away for the corner. Eysseric swung the corner in but it was too near Enyeama and the keeper clutched the ball gratefully. Still Palace were struggling to make an impact and Parfitt was out in the technical area trying to get his team moving. Middlesbrough were looking the more likely with Cattermole dictating the play.

Action from the Riverside

On 19 minutes Boro attacked once more. Muriqui carried it through midfield and knocked a superb pass towards Borini on the edge of the box. Borini then showed great vision and with a clever flick laid the ball into the path of Gyan. Boro's top scorer managed to fend off the attentions of Stones before firing in a shot, that seemed to catch out Enyeama, before settling in the back of the net. Boro's fans erupted as the players ran to congratulate Gyan but it was the superb lead up play of Muriqui and Borini that should be taking the credit. It was Gyan's seventh goal of the season and he was becoming a real danger to Division 2 sides. It was no more than Boro deserved and the question now was how Palace would react to losing the first goal. Love kicked off as Palace tried to respond but their move soon broke down again with Bolasie the culprit. Parfitt was again out his dugout unhappy at what he was seeing. It was the home side who came forward once more on 21 minutes and Cattermole was once more the playmaker. A quick one two with Muriqui seen Cattermole move out to the right wing. The option was there to play the ball through to Eysseric but instead Cattermole hit a high ball into the box where Borini got in front of a slow looking Stones to power a header towards goal that Enyeama done well to get a hand to and turn it over the bar for a corner. Eyserric swung in the corner but it was headed strongly away by Hangeland. Palace were just threatening to play their way into the game and they strung a few passes together looking for a chink in the Boro defence. Ledley had moved up the park and this seemed to be helping Palace push the Boro midfield back a bit. On 24 minutes Ledley held the ball in the centre of the park before feeding Bolasie down the right. The Congo international made progress down the right before having to turn back and wait for support. Surprisingly that support came in the shape of Silvestre and Bolasie played a square ball into his path. Silvestre took one look up and, spotting the keeper a few yards from his goal line, tried a curling shot from 25 yards that caught out the keeper before whistling just wide of the post. It was Palace's best effort so far and they seemed to be growing in confidence as Boro came under pressure for the first time in the match. It was a good spell for the visitors as they got a grip in midfield and with Garcia coming into the game more, Boro were starting to get deeper. Although Palace were not creating clear chances, you could sense that something was going to happen and it did in the shape of an equalising goal on 33 minutes. It started with Ledley moving through the midfield. He laid the ball out to the left where Aduriz collected and made his ay towards the bye line with Williams in close attendance. Just before Williams came in with the tackle, Aduriz cut the ball back to Garcia just inside the box and the Spanish midfielder rifled the ball past Moya and into the back of the net. The Palace players ran towards Garcia and smothered him in delight. The small band of Palace fans were celebrating and even Parfitt was out with his hands in the air.

Garcia being congratulated after the equaliser

It had been a remarkable turnaround that all stemmed from Garcia moving up the park a couple of yards. The game was restarted and now it was Boro who didn't look assured moving forward. Palace were having the vast majority of the ball and Doctor Fox was alarmed enough to start shouting out instructions to his players. Garcia and Ledley had full control in the middle of the park and it was Ledley on 39 minutes that almost got away only to be pulled back by Tomovic, a pull that seen the first yellow card flashed in his direction by the referee who had had an easy time of it up until then. Although Palace were now bossing the game they were nearly caught out just before the break. Borini picked up a pass out on the left and despite the attentions of Hangeland, he made enough room to send a high ball into the box where Gyan got a yard on his marker to head the ball goalwards but it was straight at Enyeama who grasped the ball to his chest. Enyeama cleared the ball up the park and the referee blew for half time. The players headed for the dressing rooms after a first half that Middlesbrough had dominated for 20 minutes before Palace took control. Would Doc Fox make any changes to try and change the flow of the game and what would Parfitt do to ensure Palace stayed in control?

HALF TIME:   MIDDLESBROUGH   1   CRYSTAL PALACE   1

The teams emerged for the second half and there were no changes to the Middlesbrough side but Tom Parfitt had decided to make a substitution with Aduriz being left behind in the dressing room and his place taken by Spanish striker Alvaro Vazquez. Middlesbrough kicked off and we were underway for the second half. It seemed that Doc Fox had told his midfield to move up again after they had been pushed back in the first half. It was going to be a great tussle between Cattermole and Garcia as they battled for supremacy in the middle of the park. It was Cattermole who was showing the early signs as he held on to the ball in the centre circle before playing a superb inch perfect pass into the path of Gyan who hit the ball first time only to see Enyeama well positioned to make the stop. The keeper had made that save look much easier than it was. It was a bright start to the half by Boro as they looked to reclaim the middle of the park. Palace were starting to see more of the ball again but they weren't getting it into the danger areas as Middlesbrough's defence easily cleared their lines. On 54 minutes Henrique had it for Boro out on the left. He started to cut inside before being pulled back by Hangeland. The referee blew for the foul before taking Hangeland's name and issuing him with the second yellow card of the game. The free kick was a yard outside the box just in from the angle of the penalty area and Gyan was shaping up to hit it. The referee marked a line 10 yards from the place of the kick with his magic spray. Gyan stepped up and bent the ball round the wall but it was too high and it went harmlessly over. The game was starting to get bogged down a bit as both sides tightened up, refusing to give a yard to anyone trying to venture forward. No one could gain control with Garcia and Cattermole still trying to win the middle of the park. On the hour mark, Doc Fox decided to try and change things by making a triple substitution. Eysseric was one of the players to make way and to everyone's surprise, Borini and Cattermole were also leaving the pitch. Had Fox decided that Garcia was winning the tussle and was looking to take a new approach? The three players made their way to the dressing room and on to the field came Molina, Arroyo and Risso. It also looked like a change of formation for Middlesbrough with them now lining up 4-1-3-2, and Molina taking up the holding midfield role. The game moved on and the subs didn't seem to be taking any effect as yet but on 67 minutes Molina was the victim of a late challenge from Silvestre, giving Boro a free kick wide out on the right. Silvestre became the third player to go into the referee's notepad.

Palace were taking control of the game

Gyan stepped up for the free kick once more but it looked to bad an angle for a shot at goal. Sure enough, he sent a cross into the box that was met by the head of substitute Risso. His header went just wide of the post but it was good enough to have Enyeama scrambling across his goal. The goal kick found Garcia and he immediately launched an attack by sending the ball wide to Deulofeu. He controlled the ball before making headway down the wing under the attention of Williams. Deulofeu stepped by the defender before whipping in a vicious cross that was met by Garcia who had made up incredible ground to get into the box. His header was heading for a goal but Moya got there to turn the ball round the post. The corner was taken by Bolasie. Williams got the header clear but only as far as Bolasie still out on the wing. Silvestre came out to challenge but Bolasie stepped past him before playing the ball along the ground and into Vazquez. The Spaniard controlled it with a slight touch before turning and firing the ball through the crowded area and into the net. The Palace fans went wild as the players rushed towards Vazquez to celebrate. Palace were in front and Boro could be heading towards their first home defeat of the season. Doc Fox was out his dug out clapping his hands together trying to gee his players on and not let their heads go down. The goal was times at 69 minutes giving Boro 20 minutes to try and get something from the game. They kicked off again and immediately tried to move forward. Palace had pulled Ledley and Garcia back deeper to protect the defence and the lead. Middlesbrough were pushing hard, determined not to let this game slip away and on 73 minutes they attacked down the left hand side. Molina played the ball to Henrique. The Brazilian wide man attacked down the wing before sending in a low cross that was collected by Risso inside the box. The substitute wasted no time in turning and smashing the ball high into the net, giving Enyeama no chance. The stadium erupted in a mixture of celebration and relief as the players joined Risso to share the elaboration on the park. It was the perfect response to the Palace goal four minutes earlier and set us up for a grandstand finish.

Boro players celebrate the equaliser

Palace got us going again and it was their turn to try and get down the left flank. Deulofeu was quickly closed down by Williams and the attack came to a quick end. Both teams were going for the winner but the defences were holding up well. On 81 minutes Rafinha picked it up for Palace and a good run took him to just insdie the Boro box. With the Boro defence shutting down the options Rafinha played it short along to Ledley. Ledley stepped by Zouma before hitting a low shot that Moya got down quickly to and saved. It was Palace who seemed to have the extra energy as they pinned Boro back and on 84 minutes Ledley found Garcia who had moved out right. Garcia collected and instantly sent a high ball into the box that Tomovic failed to deal with, allowing Love to send a header towards the top corner that Moya somehow managed to claw clear. That was too close for Fox's liking as he exploded rom his bench to give Tomovic a tongue lashing. A minute later Palace came forward down the left hand side with Deulofeu making ground and then sending a low ball into the path of Love. The striker rifled the ball towards goal beating Moya but unfortunately beating the post as well, just flashing inches by. It was a storming finishing period from Palace as Middlesbrough struggled to cop. Boro couldn't put the Palace defence under pressure at all with the fans biting their fingernails in the hope of hanging on for a point. With neither side able to create another chance worth noting the referee put his whistle to his mouth a blew for full time, bringing a cracking game to an end. The players shook hands as they headed off the field with Fox and Parfitt waiting on them before heading up the tunnel to think about how the game went.

A great advert for the second division with both sides giving it 100% as well as trying to sort the issues their opponents were giving them. Palace probably deserved to edge the game going on pressure late on but I expect they will be happy with the point. Middlesbrough retained their unbeaten home record but they came very close to losing it at the end. We managed to get a word with both managers after the game. First it was Doctor Fox and here is what he had to say:

So Doc, a point gained or two dropped?

I think given the fact we were at home and have shown great quality this season, 3 points certainly wasn't unrealistic, especially since we took the lead quite early in the game. The point keeps us in contention but there is a sour taste in my mouth that if we did win, we would have been top right now.

Asamoah Gyan scored again. How important is he to the team?

Gyan has been a fantastic servant to the club, week in and week out he puts on a fine display and I find it shocking sometimes how he is omitted from the Team of the Week on a regular basis. I would like to spare a thought for Risso too however, since I started bringing him on from the bench from last season, the experienced striker nets a goal on a very frequent basis, much like Gyan, he is an integral player like all of our team.

Palace dominated the play. Do you feel you maybe got the system wrong?

I have faith in the system and although Palace had more possession, I think we had better quality on the ball than they did. I think Moya will perhaps be a little disappointed with his performance but all in all my boys played well and were just a bit unstuck by a couple of moments of creativity on their part.

Are you missing Denisov at the back? When you expecting him to return?

Denisov is expected back in around 2 weeks, any player of that quality would be a miss in most teams. While I think we maybe are feeling the effects, I am taking nothing away from Rhys Williams. At the same time, we are also missing a bit of squad depth as Junior Fernandes is out of action too, he will also be out for about 2 weeks.

Overall, I am a little disappointed with the result but Palace are a cracking team and will be competing for promotion this season. As long as we can keep out heads help up and our chests puffed out, and as long as we can maintain a clean bill of health, I think we will have a great season for the fans.

Thanks Doc and good luck for the rest of the season

Palace boss, Tom Parfitt

Tom, happy with that?

Mixed feelings really. Boro are a decent side, but we took the lead with 20 to play & should really have been looking to close the game out. Instead, they get an equaliser 4 minutes later.
You had a lot of the ball, could you have used it better?

If you have a lot of the ball & still don't win, then you could always have used it better. There are plenty of positives though, and we have a few things for the training ground before Saturday too.
Raul Garcia's first game and he seemed to run your midfield. Are you happy with the way he played?

Tonight was his debut, and we couldn't have been happier with him. He ran the game tonight and was fully deserving of his goal. He joined along with John Stones 24 hours before kick off, so to have a debut like that is magnificent.

Away to Sunderland next. They are just hitting form. Will you take a point there again?

If I'm honest, we go there looking for all 3. Pre season, the chairman tasked me with a promotion push, and I charged myself with winning the league. I think for a side that although relegated, actually competed very well in the Prem after I arrived last season, we should be looking for an immediate return, and that doesn't happen if you draw too many.

Thanks Tom, good luck

So, Middlesbrough slip to third in the table but are just one point behind leaders Bristol City who went down 3-2 to Leeds United. They travel down to Cardiff on Saturday where they will be hoping to take the 3 points back to Middlesbrough.

Crystal Palace also slipped a place to fifth but they now have one of the toughest games on the schedule out of the way. They go to Sunderland on Saturday for what will be another tough game and as you seen, Tom Parfitt is looking for a win.

That's it for another game of the week and a great game it was. It finishes Middlesbrough 2 Crystal Palace 2 and I will see you for the next report on Sunday

Fannie Licker at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough