FA Cup Round 4: Bristol City 2 v 2 Middlesborough
Bristol City's recent reputation for being comeback kings was further reinforced today, when they overturned a two goal half time deficit, to pull level with Premiership outfit Middlesborough. City had dug themselves a mighty hole in the first half, punished twice for sloppy mistakes. Yakubu put Boro in front, with just four minutes on the clock and Malcolm Christie doubled the lead in the 23rd minute. Although City made it a fairly even affair in the first half, class shone through as Boro made better use of their chances.
However, Gary Johnson earnt his wages at half time and City started to take control in the second half. Their hard work was rewarded in the 53rd minute, when 20 year old Richard Keogh headed a Lee Johnson pass into the net, to send the home fans into rapture. The Ashton Gate roar was back in full effect and encouraged the home side to greater efforts. City favourite Scott Murray was on hand to lob Boro keeper Schwarzer with a left footed half volley, five minutes later, to prompt the chants of You're not singing anymore... from the City supporters. Murray's goal was a touch of class and very fitting for a high profile match such as this.
Jennison Myrie-Williams came on to replace the hard working David Noble, playing in a more forward position than normal, in the 73rd minute, which must have been a highlight in the youngster's career. A few minutes later, Cole Skuse, who had been working hard and becoming more and more involved in the game, was replaced by Alex Russell, to add a little more experience to the midfield. Late on in the game, City survived a penalty shout when Carey challenged Yakubu in the area, but the referee signalled for a goal kick.
Craig Woodman came on as a late sub for a rare outing at the Gate, when he replaced Liam Fontaine in the 83rd minute. Whilst Middlesborough were beginning to look nervous and the game took on an end-to-end motion, with City still holding their own against the Premiership club. As the game drew to a close, the home side seemed to be on the front foot and Middlesborough looked to be holding out for the draw and a return fixture on their own patch. Whilst a replay isn't ideal for City, with promotion from League One being our top priority, I'm sure that the board and accountants will be pleased by the prospect of a nice little earner at the Riverside.
So, comeback kings might be a justified tag for Bristol City and when it comes against Premiership opposition, we have got to be pleased. Manager Gary Johnson described the first half performance as good, but not winning football, with the second half being winning football. A great result for City, in front of a crowd of 19,008 and if we can repeat our third round feat of beating a club from a higher division, in a replay on their own turf, then it could be something to tell the grandchildren.
City will travel to Middlesborough for the replay on Tuesday, February 13th. I can't see us doing the business on their patch, but then I thought that when we allowed Coventry to come back to 3-3 for a replay at their yard, it was game over for the cup. As they say, football is a funny old game and anything can happen in the ninety minutes. If the replay is anything like the first meeting, expect some excitement.
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