26-08-2017, 22:09
Middlesbrough 0 Preston North End 0
Middlesbrough line-up: Randolph, Fabio, Friend (Bamford, 55), Gibson ©, Clayton, Assombalonga, Howson, Fry, Christie, Baker (Downing, 68), Gestede. Subs not used: Dimi, Ayala, Leadbitter, Gletcher, Roberts.
PNE line-up: Maxwell, Fisher, Earl, Pearson (Harrop, 70), Huntington ©, Davies, Barkhuizen (Mavididi, 75), Browne, Hugill, Johnson, Maguire (Robinson, 90). Subs not used: Hudson, Vermijl, Horgan, Spurr.
Attendance: 25,295 (961 PNE fans)
The only disappointment with the result is probably we dropped two points, because they were there for the taking against a Boro side that are still trying to get to terms with what Monk wants from them. Seriously though thuis was a cracking performance by the Whites at the Riverside.
No complaints over the last four years how Grayson set the side up to lose which did the job but Neil's philosophy is attack and what has been noticeable is that the games have been far more entertaining.
From the off North End took the game to the home side, a couple of corners caused panic in the Boro defence however with their first real attack think Assombalonga should probably have done better after running at the disappearing North End defence before just pushing the ball to far as he got into the area with Maxwell saving.
Barkuizen was unlucky when racing past the Boro defence his shot seemed to hit the post, Bororeplied with Fabio also hitting the post after some less than convincing keeping by Maxwell. North End were dominant although couldn't get the ball inthe net with Huntington nd Barkuizhen both going close. Maxwell was bailed out by a great header by Davies and Gestede had an header pushed round the post by Maxwell.
On the stroke of half time Huntington's header was tipped round the post by Randolp.
At half time Pearson spent most of the time warming up which seemed to indicate he had an injury. Early pressure from Boro but North End were soon on the attack Barkuizhen had an effort cleared from the line and a shot was also well saved by Randoph from Johnson?
Pearson picked up his traditional booking but also picked up an injury so off he went to be replaced by Harrop.
Boro brought on Downing who in the short period he was on was Boro's most dangerous player forcing a good save from Maxwell with the only shot on target Boro had in the second half.
The game ended with North End pressing for the winner just a pity we couldn't get it because we really did deserve to win.
Hard to pick anyone as top man today it was just a very good team effort.
Preston North End manager Alex Neil:
"If any team deserved to win it was us. We had the best chances in the game and we deserved a goal.
"It is really frustrating not to get a goal. It was a lack of decision-making in the final side, and Darren Randolph has made a few good saves.
"We actually had more possession and dominated. I thought we had enough in the game to win it."
Middlesbrough manager Garry Monk:
"That was not the performance we wanted. We are trying to set a high standard for the players and the club - and we feel disappointment.
"We need to take a lesson from today and we never came out on top of them in any instance. They were first to every header, every tackle.
"The positive is that we still take a point and got a clean sheet. The point could be valuable, but we wanted three. But I think we were probably lucky to get the result we did."
Referee: Mr D England
Middlesbrough line-up: Randolph, Fabio, Friend (Bamford, 55), Gibson ©, Clayton, Assombalonga, Howson, Fry, Christie, Baker (Downing, 68), Gestede. Subs not used: Dimi, Ayala, Leadbitter, Gletcher, Roberts.
PNE line-up: Maxwell, Fisher, Earl, Pearson (Harrop, 70), Huntington ©, Davies, Barkhuizen (Mavididi, 75), Browne, Hugill, Johnson, Maguire (Robinson, 90). Subs not used: Hudson, Vermijl, Horgan, Spurr.
Attendance: 25,295 (961 PNE fans)
The only disappointment with the result is probably we dropped two points, because they were there for the taking against a Boro side that are still trying to get to terms with what Monk wants from them. Seriously though thuis was a cracking performance by the Whites at the Riverside.
No complaints over the last four years how Grayson set the side up to lose which did the job but Neil's philosophy is attack and what has been noticeable is that the games have been far more entertaining.
From the off North End took the game to the home side, a couple of corners caused panic in the Boro defence however with their first real attack think Assombalonga should probably have done better after running at the disappearing North End defence before just pushing the ball to far as he got into the area with Maxwell saving.
Barkuizen was unlucky when racing past the Boro defence his shot seemed to hit the post, Bororeplied with Fabio also hitting the post after some less than convincing keeping by Maxwell. North End were dominant although couldn't get the ball inthe net with Huntington nd Barkuizhen both going close. Maxwell was bailed out by a great header by Davies and Gestede had an header pushed round the post by Maxwell.
On the stroke of half time Huntington's header was tipped round the post by Randolp.
At half time Pearson spent most of the time warming up which seemed to indicate he had an injury. Early pressure from Boro but North End were soon on the attack Barkuizhen had an effort cleared from the line and a shot was also well saved by Randoph from Johnson?
Pearson picked up his traditional booking but also picked up an injury so off he went to be replaced by Harrop.
Boro brought on Downing who in the short period he was on was Boro's most dangerous player forcing a good save from Maxwell with the only shot on target Boro had in the second half.
The game ended with North End pressing for the winner just a pity we couldn't get it because we really did deserve to win.
Hard to pick anyone as top man today it was just a very good team effort.
Preston North End manager Alex Neil:
"If any team deserved to win it was us. We had the best chances in the game and we deserved a goal.
"It is really frustrating not to get a goal. It was a lack of decision-making in the final side, and Darren Randolph has made a few good saves.
"We actually had more possession and dominated. I thought we had enough in the game to win it."
Middlesbrough manager Garry Monk:
"That was not the performance we wanted. We are trying to set a high standard for the players and the club - and we feel disappointment.
"We need to take a lesson from today and we never came out on top of them in any instance. They were first to every header, every tackle.
"The positive is that we still take a point and got a clean sheet. The point could be valuable, but we wanted three. But I think we were probably lucky to get the result we did."
Referee: Mr D England
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