Boro Mania

Middlesbrough reserves ran out deserving 2-0 winners over their Wigan counterparts at Billingham last night. The night, and result, was lit up by a moment of class from promising forward Nathan Porritt who continues to impress for the second string.

Boro lined up in an attacking 4-3-3 formation as Marvin Emnes, Jonathan Franks and Nathan Porritt spearheaded the attack. A strong side was put out by Middlesbrough, with Marvin Emnes, Tony McMahon, Andrew Taylor and Josh Walker all included in the starting line-up.

Boro were the better side in a goal less first half with Dutchman Marvin Emnes stretching the Wigan backline on numerous occasions and the classy Porritt pulling the strings from a deeper role.

Early in the second half and Boro got the lead they deserved with two of the Academy's top recent prospects, Nathan Porritt and Joe Bennett, combining down the left to gift a chance for Emnes. The Holland Under-21 International heading home from 6 yards out.

With Boro now dominating the game, Nathan Porritt sealed the result cutting in onto his left foot and clipping a fantastic 25 yard chip over the Wigan keeper. Boro continued to create chances with Emnes, Gal-Andrezly and Josh Walker going close but the game finished 2-0 to Boro.

There were some very good performances all over the park with Steele performing well in goal, Josh Walker excelling in the middle of the park and Marvin Emnes causing no end of problems but the stand out player was Nathan Porritt. He has a habit of drifting in and out of games and at times not looking as interested as he should but he has bags of class and ability and, regardless of the league Boro find themselves in next year, I fully expect to see Porritt playing some part for the first team.