Middlesbrough v Newcastle

[Mighty T.A.L.]

After difficult starts to the season for both Gareth Southgate and Glenn Roeder, the respective managers will approach this keenly fought clash with some trepidation.

Newcastle's 1-0 victory over Fenerbahce in Thursday's Uefa Cup tie was a timely fillip for Roeder after the recriminations which followed last weekend's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bolton Wanderers.

But the match also exasperated The Magpies' injury plight, with playmaker Emre rated doubtful to feature after succumbing to a back injury in the second half of the game against his Turkish compatriots.

Goalkeeper Steve Harper was nursing a groin injury in the clash, and Roeder will take another check on his keeper before finalising his selection - Czech veteran Pavel Srnicek is on standby should Harper be rested.

Celestine Babayaro could come into contention after completing a three-match ban and recovering from a groin problem.

Middlesbrough's have fewer concerns ahead of their own roll call, but the hosts' hopes of victory may well rest on a strong defensive performance from ex-Magpies defender Jonathan Woodgate.

Woodgate's probable return from a dead leg which caused him to miss last weekend's victory over Everton could give Southgate a pleasant selection headache.

Robert Huth made his league debut for the club against The Toffees, while Emanuel Pogatetz has been in fine form.

Southgate has had his critics at The Riverside this season, but a second three-point haul of the campaign has silenced a few of the naysayers.

And more importantly, even at this early juncture, it also lifted Boro clear of the bottom of the table.

Newcastle have had the better of the recent meetings, with Shola Ameobi securing a 2-1 victory in the most recent meeting between the clubs last April.

The Magpies have also suffered just two defeats in 16 encounters against their North East opponents, but poor away form this season - United have lost three of their four matches, during which time they have scored just twice - could prove a more reliable gauge.

Source: http://home.skysports.com

[Pennywise]

I have a feeling that this match will be a draw. 1 point or more at Riverside is IMO approved by Toon.

But it will be a tough match. M'Boro will fight hard and Tee-Tyne is always a difficult match.'

"Haway the lads"

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Middlesbrough 1 - 0 Newcastle United

M: Yakubu (85)

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Roeder rues missed chances

Glenn Roeder was left to rue missed chances as Newcastle slipped to defeat to Middlesbrough.

Boro were rewarded for a fine second half display as Yakubu Aiyegnbeni headed home a corner five minutes from time.

Newcastle passed up a number of chances prior to Yakubu's goal and Roeder was left licking his wounds.

"I am not sure that most people would agree it was even," Roeder opined to Sky Sports News. "I felt we should have had it wrapped up at half time.

"We did not take our chances, we have to accept that responsibility, and as far as I am concerned the first 45 minutes was one-way traffic.

"We never took the chances and the second half was a little more even. We still got into some wonderful positions and we didn't convert them.

"And then the killer blow was the goal to come at a time when we don't have time to come back from it."

Obafemi Martins hit the bar with a chip in the first half and Roeder feels that effort sums up their recent run in a microcosm.

"He did almost everything right," said Roeder. "Everything right would have been the ball drifting in under the crossbar.

"It was an excellent touch and he stood the ball up in the air and it's landed on the crossbar. A little unfortunate, but that's the way it has been going generally speaking of late.

"We have played well enough to pick up points but we are being punished."

The manner of Boro's winner hit Roeder hard, as he added: "It is disappointing to concede so late on to a set play and I am upset about that.

"We should not be conceding from set plays."

Source: http://home.skysports.com

[Pennywise]

Well Roeder, I don't think you will finish your two-years contract with N'castle United.

Its crisis in the club now. But the fact is that they aren't better. they have some names, but the team doesn't fit together.

[kennethlindheim]

Getting used to this results now. Roeder has to go, and that goes for Shepherd also, he has to he is clueless and isnt motivating the squad. shit in the summer with buys and now showing he just can't make decisions on or off the pitch.
We played very well in the first half, and should have got a couple of goals, but it seems like we're not able to score goals at this point. Again we are getting way to many injuries and again is costing us!