McCarthy late goal robs Boro of victory at Ewood Park
By Shaun • Oct 26th, 2008 • Category: Featured Articles, Match NewsAnother late goal conceded by Middlesbrough and a fantastic away victory slips through Gareth Southgate’s fingers. Blackburn substitute Benni McCarthy rescued a point for the home side against Middlesbrough with a dramatic 94th-minute header at Ewood Park.
Brazilian striker Afonso Alves thought he’d won it for Boro when he fired a searing strike past Paul Robinson 15 minutes from time, but South African McCarthy had other ideas, finding himself in space in the Boro box and heading home Brett Emerton’s corner deep into stoppage time.
Both teams had had opportunities to score in this game with first Jeremie Aliadiere and then Roque Santa Cruz striking the goal frame, while Tuncay, welcomed back into the Boro team for the first time in 2 months, had a perfectly legitimate goal ruled out for offside.
Boro’s first real chance came on nine minutes, Stewart Downing’s cross was headed clear, Chris Riggott sent the ball back into the box, the Rovers defence stood still waiting for a flag as Tuncay was clearly offside but Aliadiere coming from an onside position was allowed to continue. However, the Frenchman’s controlled volley came crashing back off the bar.
The home side responded, with Ewood debutant Vince Grella spotting the run of Brett Emerton from the right, some poor defending from Taylor allowed Emerton to advance into the penalty area but the Aussie international was denied by the legs of Ross Turnbull at his near post.
Blackburn nearly opened the scoring through their dangerman, Roque Sant Cruz shortly after. Stephen Warnock slipped the ball through, but Santa Cruz’s left-foot shot struck the inside of the post, and Andrew Taylor was on hand to put the ball behind for a corner.
Middlesbrough did get the ball into the back of the Blackburn net midway through the firsthalf, only to see it wrongly ruled out for offside. Didier Digard sent a looping header into the path of Tuncay, who’s superb acrobatic overhead kick beat Robinson, only to be denied by an incorrect linesman’s flag.
Into the second half and Brazilian Alves fired a warning to Blackburn, as he cut inside Ryan Nelsen, but his left-foot shot deflected off the Rovers skipper and looped just wide of Robinsons post.
The Brazilian’s next effort was much more clinical though. Gary O’Neil’s long ball was brought down well by Alves under pressure from Andre Ooijer, Boro’s record signing turned inside the Dutchman and smashed the ball past Robinson from the edge of the Rovers box. A superb finish from the Brazilian hitman, just what the doctor ordered.
Middlesbrough looked to defend the lead and throught they have held out for a valuable 3 points, until Rovers won a corner in the fourth and final minute of time added on. McCarthy found himself un-marked on the edge of the 6 yard box and the South African striker headed into the corner of the net, sparking jubilant celebrations from home fans and players alike.
Middlesbrough Player Ratings
Ross Turnbull - 7 - Could do nothing about the McCarthy goal and made some good saves particularly from Santa Cruz and Emerton.
Andrew Taylor - 5 - Defensively weak and looks a few yards short of pace, a weak link in the back four.
David Wheater - 6 - Played out of position at right fullback again and coped well, is limited going forward as a full back but does the defensive work very well.
Emanuel Pogatetz - 7 - Poggy returned to the side and played well against Santa Cruz.
Chris Riggott - 6 - A competent display from the experienced centre back.
Didier Digard - 6 - Still not up with the pace of the English game, offers more than Shawky though.
Gary O’Neil - 7 - A better performance from O’Neil, worked hard and helped out the defence. Had a hand in the Alves goal.
Stewart Downing - 5 - Short on confidence and short on form, another poor display.
Jeremie Aliadiere - 8 - Worked tirelessly for the cause and picked up a few knocks on the way. Maybe should’ve done better with his early chance that crashed against the crossbar.
Tuncay - 8 - Great to see Tuncay back in a Boro shirt, unlucky to have a great goal ruled out.
Afonso Alves - 8 - Worked hard for little reward for most of the game, one moment of class from the Brazilian and he was on the scoresheet. Give him service and he WILL score goals.
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Shaun is A Boro fan and owner of BoroMania.com. Born and brought up in the North East. Favourite players are Juninho, Slaven and David Wheater.
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draw was probably a fair result in the end but bitterly disappointed we couldn’t hang on yet again. Good response from the team though and good goal from Alves, hopefully he kicks on now.