Boro Mania

Middlesbrough cruised past Doncaster last night courtesy of two fantastic Adam Johnson strikes, a first senior goal for Jonathan Franks and a Leroy Lita goal.

Boro began the game well but had to wait until the half hour mark to make a deserved breakthrough, a moment of magic from Adam Johnson as he stode toward goal and unleashed a left foot drive into the top corner. It was a moment of class that was sure to pique the interest of watching Premier League scouts.

On the stroke of half time it was 2-0 and again it was Adam Johnson who unlocked the Doncaster defence, breaking through down the left and pulling the ball back for Franks. The youngster cooly took a touch and smashed it into the back of the net.

Boro found themselves in an uncommon position of leading comfortably at half time and began the second half brightly with Johnson and Franks threatening the Donny backline. Franks eventually made way for Leroy Lita and it is Lita who extended the Boro lead when he capitalised on indecision at the back to nod home a simple goal.

Boro were seemingly cruising and full of confidence when Rovers struck their consolation goal through Jordan Mutch, making his first appearance since joining on loan. It was a cracking long range effort and left Coyne no chance.

It was left to Adam Johnson to cap things off, as Gary O'Neil prepared to take a free kick Johnson ran up and smashed a low shot into the bottom corner to cap an excellent performance.

The result, and performance, strengthened the feeling that any success we may be able to generate this season will be tied very closely to the performances of Adam Johnson. With the transfer window nearing it's end it will be interesting to see if any of the rumoured interest comes to fruition and if Boro's resolve is tested with a firm bid. If not then we can only hope that performances, contractual offer and future direction of the club all add up to a favourable package and he signs a new deal.

It was excellent to see young Jon Franks get a goal and I have been impressed with the way he has taken his opportunity in the first team, whether he continues in the side when the injuries begin to clear is not certain but has given Strachan something to consider. Having watched a lot of reserve football last season I am glad to see Franks stepping into the first team, he was always impressive in the reserves and deserved his chance.

It is a big week ahead now for Gordon Strachan and the team, we need to win against Bristol City at home to begin picking up some momentum and the transfer deadline approaches with rumours of players coming in and going out.