Boro v Blackburn FA Cup 0-1

[SmogDane 4,133 8k]

FA Cup Clash: Middlesbrough vs. Blackburn Rovers - A Match with History and Rivalry

On Saturday, January 11 2025, two of England's most storied football clubs, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers, will meet in an exciting FA Cup encounter that promises to be both thrilling and historical. This match brings together two clubs with deep roots in English football history, and it’s one of those encounters that fans will be eager to witness. The game will be a new chapter in the long history of battles between the two sides, offering both drama on the pitch and nostalgia for those familiar with their rivalry.

Match Details

Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025

Time: 12.00

Venue: Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, England

Competition: FA Cup, 3rd Round

The FA Cup has always been a prestigious tournament in English football, attracting attention no matter the clubs involved. The magic of the FA Cup is part of what makes matches like these so exciting, especially when clubs like Middlesbrough and Blackburn, both with rich traditions, meet on the field.

Historical Fun Facts about Middlesbrough vs. Blackburn Meetings

Historically, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers haven’t faced off too many times in the FA Cup, but their encounters have always been filled with drama and unforgettable moments. Here are some of the most memorable facts about their past meetings:

1. The Early Encounters:

The meetings between Middlesbrough and Blackburn date back to the 1890s, a time when both clubs were firmly established in the upper echelons of English football. In these early years, both teams were part of the “First Division” — the highest tier of the league, where competition was fierce and often led to thrilling matchups.

2. FA Cup – A Classic 1997 Match:

One of the most memorable FA Cup encounters took place in 1997, when Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough met in the third round of the competition. This match is still remembered by many fans as one of the most intense and dramatic clashes between the two teams. Blackburn, who were the reigning Premier League champions at the time, defeated Middlesbrough 1-0, but the match was much closer than many expected. It served as a reminder that the FA Cup can bring unexpected results and plenty of excitement.

3. Middlesbrough’s FA Cup Run in the 2000s:

Middlesbrough enjoyed several noteworthy FA Cup runs in the early 2000s, with one of their most impressive achievements being their reaching of the 2006 FA Cup Final, where they faced Manchester United. Sadly for “Boro”, they lost 4-0 in the final, but it was still a tremendous achievement to reach that stage of the competition, especially for a club that had not traditionally been among the very top teams in English football.

4. Blackburn’s FA Cup History:

Blackburn Rovers, with their rich history in the FA Cup, are a club that has tasted success in the competition multiple times. Their most recent FA Cup triumph came in 1928, when they triumphed over Huddersfield Town in the final. This win is a part of their illustrious tradition in the cup, dating back to their first FA Cup victory in 1884. Blackburn’s most recent appearance in an FA Cup final was in 1960, when they lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

5. Middlesbrough and Blackburn in the Premier League:

In the Premier League era, both clubs had their ups and downs, but Middlesbrough and Blackburn have had their moments, with both clubs achieving notable success. Blackburn Rovers famously won the Premier League title in 1995 under the management of Kenny Dalglish, with Alan Shearer as their star striker. Meanwhile, Middlesbrough were regularly in the top tier during the early 2000s and were consistently a competitive side. Both clubs have played a significant role in English football and have passionate fanbases.

Riverside Stadium – A Significant Arena

The clash between Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers will take place at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough, a modern and impressive stadium that has been the home of Middlesbrough since 1995. With a seating capacity of around 34,000, the Riverside offers an intimate and electric atmosphere, especially during big games like this FA Cup encounter.

The stadium is known for its contemporary design and top-class facilities, and it is highly regarded by both players and fans. The passionate Middlesbrough supporters always create a fantastic atmosphere, making any match at Riverside Stadium an unforgettable experience.

Blackburn Rovers – A Club with Proud Tradition

Blackburn Rovers, based at Ewood Park, are one of the oldest and most historically significant clubs in England, founded in 1875. Perhaps their most famous achievement came in 1995, when they won the Premier League title under the guidance of legendary manager Kenny Dalglish, with Alan Shearer playing a starring role in their attack. Blackburn also has an impressive record in the FA Cup, having won the tournament multiple times in their history.

Since being relegated from the Premier League in 2012, Blackburn has fought to regain their place in the top flight. Currently, they play in the Championship, England's second tier, and will be eager to make a deep run in this year’s FA Cup competition.

 

Expectations for the Match

This FA Cup match is expected to be a hard-fought battle, as both teams have something to prove. Middlesbrough will enjoy the advantage of playing at home, hoping to use their strong fan support to propel them to victory. However, Blackburn Rovers will be eager to prove themselves and will look to make their mark, aiming to progress to the next round of the competition.

The FA Cup is known for its unpredictability, and while Middlesbrough may be considered the favorites due to their home advantage, Blackburn should not be underestimated. The visitors have the potential to cause problems for any team, and this match could very well produce a surprise.

Tickets and Viewing Experience

Tickets for the match can be purchased through Middlesbrough's official website, with fans encouraged to buy early to secure their spot at Riverside Stadium. For those who can’t attend in person, the game will be broadcast live on BBC Sport and ITV Sports, with comprehensive coverage available online and on social media platforms.

Conclusion

Saturday’s FA Cup encounter between Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers is more than just a football match; it is an opportunity to experience the magic that the FA Cup brings — drama, tradition, and the chance for an underdog to make a name for themselves. Both teams will give everything to progress to the next round, and no matter the outcome, fans will have an unforgettable encounter to look forward to.

Q's 

1: Result?

2: Boro team and formation? Why? 

3: Should we focus on the league and promotion, or is it a good thing with a nice cup run?

4: Are you going to the game? 

5: Best FA Cup memory?

6: Worst FA Cup memory?

#UTB

 

[Blanco 5,454 7.1k]

Is there different time zones in Denmark Sonni? Saturday is the 11th over here 🙂 

[SmogDane 4,133 8k]

3 minutes ago, Blanco said:

Is there different time zones in Denmark Sonni? Saturday is the 11th over here 🙂 

It's known as Fat Finger Syndrome 😉 

Edited now

[Norman_Conquest 36 46]

1: Result? - 1 - 2 Blackburn.  This game reminds me of the Burnley game a few seasons back when they beat us in the cup and kick started their season.

2: Boro team and formation? Why?  Same formation.  Glover, Engle, Edmundson, Clarke and Ayling.  Barlasar, McCabe.  Jones/Hamilton, Gilbert, McGree. Burgzorg.

3: Should we focus on the league and promotion, or is it a good thing with a nice cup run?  I love the FA Cup but feel we should focus on the league this season.

4: Are you going to the game?  No

5: Best FA Cup memory?  Watching the Boro walk out at Wembley in the FA Cup Final.  

6: Worst FA Cup memory? The Wolves replay away in the quarter-finals in 1981. That defeat really hurt for so many reasons. We all knew the team would be split up after that defeat.

Edited January 7 by Norman_Conquest

[TeaCider24 16,744 21.9k]

I'm not sure where you've got that 2006 FA Cup final fact from 😂

We've been in one FA Cup final in 1997.

[TeaCider24 16,744 21.9k]

1: Result?

0-0, with Boro knocked out on penalties.

2: Boro team and formation? Why?

All the kids, regular formation.

3: Should we focus on the league and promotion, or is it a good thing with a nice cup run?

Focus on the league, absolutely no interest in a cup run this time around.

4: Are you going to the game? 

Certainly am, trying out a new seat because I've had enough of the people I'm sat around now.

5: Best FA Cup memory?

Beating Man City 2-0.

6: Worst FA Cup memory?

Getting beaten 2-0 by Newport in the replay.

[Rob 6,084 9.3k]

2 hours ago, SmogDane said:

It's known as Fat Finger Syndrome 😉 

Edited now

FFS

4-0 the boro

[Rob 6,084 9.3k]

20 minutes ago, TeaCider24 said:

I'm not sure where you've got that 2006 FA Cup final fact from 😂

We've been in one FA Cup final in 1997.

you must of blocked it out like I did due to getting hammered 4-0 off man utd lol

[SmogDane 4,133 8k]

31 minutes ago, TeaCider24 said:

I'm not sure where you've got that 2006 FA Cup final fact from 😂

We've been in one FA Cup final in 1997.

I might have used ChatGPT for some parts 😉 (busy me)

 

[RiseAgainst 4,754 3.9k]

There are some odd anomalies in the OP - apparently we lost to Blackburn in the third round of the 1997 FA Cup, and then lost to Manchester United in the 2006 FA Cup Final. Did ChatGPT help with the research?

1: Result?

2-1 to Everton.

2: Boro team and formation? Why? 

An exciting 4-5-3 formation should help Middlesbrough to triumph in this attractive encounter (okay, I'll stop labouring the point now)

3: Should we focus on the league and promotion, or is it a good thing with a nice cup run?

I don't think we should ever throw cup games. Without the Carling Cup in 2004, we would have missed out on many of our finest moments this century. I hate the sense that the FA Cup isn't worth bothering with, and it's sad to see people on here basically saying we should disregard it.

4: Are you going to the game? 

No. I'm not enjoying Boro's current malaise, and going to the game takes a day away from my family, which is hard to justify for such meagre returns.

5: Best FA Cup memory?

The day we beat Man City when Kike scored, which was all the sweeter since my boyhood club (Bradford) also beat Chelsea that day.

6: Worst FA Cup memory?

Any of the times we've fielded a weakened team and gone out in the third round with barely a whimper. Didn't we go out to Burton Albion ten years ago?

[Erimus74 4,725 4.9k]

39 minutes ago, Norman_Conquest said:

1: Result? - 1 - 2 Blackburn.  This game reminds of the Burnley game a few seasons back when they beat us in the cup and kick started their season.

2: Boro team and formation? Why?  Same formation.  Glover, Engle, Edmundson, Clarke and Ayling.  Barlasar, McCabe.  Jones/Hamilton, Gilbert, McGree. Burgzorg.

3: Should we focus on the league and promotion, or is it a good thing with a nice cup run?  I love the FA Cup but feel we should focus on the league this season.

4: Are you going to the game?  No

5: Best FA Cup memory?  Watching the Boro walk out at Wembley in the FA Cup Final.  

6: Worst FA Cup memory? The Wolvesolves replay away in the quarter-finals in 1981. That defeat really hurt for so many reasons. We all knew the team would be split up after that defeat.

Hi Norman, remember that Burnley game & yes you're spot on, Boro were leading one nil at HT only to lose 2-1 & as you say, kick started their season 

[Aphex_Boro 1,725 6.6k]

I propose SmogDane be excommunicated for using AI to author a match thread. Actions like this threaten the very fabric of our civilisation. 

[Rob 6,084 9.3k]

1 hour ago, Erimus74 said:

Hi Norman, remember that Burnley game & yes you're spot on, Boro were leading one nil at HT only to lose 2-1 & as you say, kick started their season 

loved the karanka run, but that season I think we went up despite him.

Can't take away the first half of the season run that put us in that position, brilliant, but after he totally butchered absolutely smashing that league, I doubt he would of even been allowed back if agnew didn't cost us against charlton lol. I think had he won that match (like he should of) I'd assume they would of given agnew enough rope to save us from relegation all together (by not getting promoted ). 

I think if there was 47 games in that season we would of bottled it in the play offs I really do.

[Rob 6,084 9.3k]

2 minutes ago, Aphex_Boro said:

I propose SmogDane be excommunicated for using AI to author a match thread. Actions like this threaten the very fabric of our civilisation. 

ur just disappointed your missing out on watching us in the 2006 final next week on your stream 

[Marvanelli 939 643]

This game, I don't really care much for the result.

All I want to see is Morris start and come out unscathed.