Defeat Again

BORO 0 - 1 Reading

BORO ended a week in which they qualified for the FA Cup quarter-finals and secured in-form defender David Wheater on a new contract, with a shattering home defeat to Premiership free-fallers Reading.

It took an injury time goal from James Harper to seal BORO's fate, as a tired home side battled on after playing 120 minutes in the mid-week FA Cup fifth round home tie against Sheffield United.

The opening exchanges appeared to belong to Reading as they launched several attacks, but without prize as their strike force proved to be, as in recent weeks, a cause for concern. Several chances went begging as first Shane Long's header flew over the bar, before Stephen Hunt's effort skewed high over the BORO goal.

However, the tables turned in the latter exchanges of the half as BORO mounted a charge, Stewart Downing being BORO's best player going forward, proving to be a constant threat along BORO's left hand-side.

Kevin Doyle saw his goal disallowed as referee Rob Howard ruled that Andre Bikey had fouled Mark Schwarzer in the build up.

Afonso Alves continued to impress, in glimpses, as he showed the home crowd how good he can be for BORO; his free-kick forcing a good save from Marcus Hahnemann.

Emanuel Pogatetz, was almost flawless throughout as he deputised for the injured Robert Huth, working well with David Wheater, who signed a new contract with his home-town club in midweek. However, neither could prevent Stephen Hunt's late cross from finding James Harper who calmly slotted the ball home past Mark Schwarzer.

Attendance: 23, 273
BORO Blog BORO Man of the Match: Stewart Downing


Also this week, BORO allowed defender Chris Riggott to join Stoke City on loan until the end of the season and youngster Jason Kennedy has moved down the road to Darlington on loan. David Wheater followed in the footsteps of Stewart Downing by committing his future to the BORO with a new three and a half year deal, citing the clubs ambition, the support of the manager and Stewart Downing's decision to stay as the main factors in reaching his decision.

Pictures courtesy of BBC Sport (news.bbc.co.uk/sport) & Google (images.google.co.uk)