U18's vs. West Ham (H) Sat 26th Oct - Match Report

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After a break from any fixtures the U18’s returned with a home game vs. West Ham. The last time Boro faced a London side they ran out late 3-2 winners over ***nal.

 

Middlesbrough were without Callum Cooke who is set to represent England at U17 level and captain the side and as usual Boro made some changes as they continue giving playing time to all available players.

 

West Ham started strongly, their players were quick to close down Boro and not allow them any space to play their usual free flowing passing style. A poor under hit back pass by Lewis Maloney nearly saw West Ham with an opening minute opportunity but Ross McNab came across and put in a well timed sliding tackle to get the ball away for a corner.

 

Middlesbrough were clearly unsettled by the pressure West Ham were applying and Boro were being forced into mistakes, struggling to keep hold of the ball as West Ham attacked. Robbie Tinkler gave away a free kick about 28 yards out slightly right of centre and West Hams Lewis Page tried to curl it in but the ball flew well over Joe Fryer’s net.

 

Boro looked on the ropes, but came back with a beautifully crafted attack. Matty Elsdon drove a perfect cross field pass to Lewis Maloney, the ball went wide to Nathan McGinley and back across to the centre of the pitch, a short pass found Junior Mondal in a little space but he sliced his shot wide when he has just the keeper to beat.

 

Both sides were cancelling each other out and chances were at a premium, neither side were in control although West Ham probably just had the upper hand.

 

Boro had a chance from distance that Howells saved well.

Jordan Brown was a thorn in the Boro side all game, using his big frame to pressure the Boro back line, he nearly broke the deadlock as he wriggled through 2 defenders in the Boro and managed to get a goal bound shot away which Fryer got down to well and saved with his legs, the ball going for a corner. From that resulting corner West Ham had a great chance, the ball was headed goal ward but McGinley on the back post nodded the ball away.

 

Lewis Maloney cut in from the left before trying to curl it into the corner, but didn’t get enough on it and Howells saved easily.

 

Half Time Middlesbrough 0 West Ham 0

 

Boro sub, Maloney off, McAloon on.

 

West Ham started the second half well; Page attacking down the West Ham left cut inside but his strike didn’t test Fryer and went over.

Matthew Elsdon went in bravely against Brown on the wing and was caught in the face with the forwards boot. The game was stopped momentarily as the Boro defender received treatment but he was ok to continue.

 

West Ham brought on number 15, and he almost put his side in the lead with his first touches, he knocked the ball into space and bore down on Fryers goal but lacked composure and slashed the ball well wide.

 

Junior Mondal curled in a Boro corner, Elsdon got his head to it but only managed to flick it sky high, Robbie Tinkler went for the volley but couldn’t control it and it flew high and wide. Both teams were pushing so as it went end to end pace was created but neither side really were creating great opportunities or testing the keepers.

 

Jordan Jowers found space just inside the right in the West Ham box, he moved the ball across the box where McAloon touched it to Mondal, his shot on the turn just trickled wide of the far post. So close for Boro.

 

Boro sub, Armstrong off, O’Neill on.

West Ham sub Marlow off 12 on.

 

O’Neill instantly was in the action on the Boro right, he got into the box and curled one which Howells saved well even though the ball was creeping wide.

 

As the game drew to a close West Ham really pushed forward, the sub (number 12) had a chance deep from a corner where he headed wide, and Ross McNab blocked a Brown effort bravely.

 

Full Time Middlesbrough 0 West Ham 0

 

Boro; Fryer, Helm, McGinley, Tinkler, Elsdon, McNab, Griffiths, Maloney (McAloon), Armstrong (O’Neill), Mondal.

Unused: Fry, Dawson, Wheatley.

West Ham; Howells, Knoyle, Page, Marlow (12), Burke, Harney, Makasi, Cullen, Brown, Bywater, Nasha

 

MOTM/Thoughts.

Defiantly not the best game I've witnessed at Hurworth but equally a lot can be taken from it. Some very solid defensive performances led by Tinkler, despite being booked for a very rash challenge protected the centre backs well. He always looked strong in the challenge. Griffiths has come on more and more playing centrally, he got in well and also seemed to be central to Boro’s attacks.

But for their group performance the men of the match today were the back four! Helm at right back was solid, quick and dependable, McNab was good in the tackle, Elsdon a giant in the air, never allowing Brown to turn and run freely and McGinley who was a good attacking option in the first half and solid in defence, moving forward and linking up play well.

 

couple of images

[Guest HolgateEnd]

Which O'Neill brother came on?

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Stephen