Middlesbrough Friendly (2pm kick off)

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Just a reminder in case it might catch a few out, it's a 2pm kick off.

Grant McCann hoping for a sterner test from Boro.

https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/grants-mccanns-hope-for-doncaster-rovers-v-middlesbrough-as-he-makes-hull-city-observation-4717048

After Tursday night, I certainly want to see our defense tested more thoroughly. While our defensive shape was good with Olowu and McGrath coping easily, having the time and space to move the ball, they and our keeper weren't really tested physically from many set pieces.

Although Boro are unlikely to be throwing bombs into the box, you'd hope they'll stretch us even more.

Do we want to see the same starting line up? Or should McCann mix it up a bit more with maybe Wood starting with Sbarra, Sharp, Miller, Yeboah etc?

[Campsall rover]

Just a reminder in case it might catch a few out, it's a 2pm kick off.

Grant McCann hoping for a sterner test from Boro.

https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/grants-mccanns-hope-for-doncaster-rovers-v-middlesbrough-as-he-makes-hull-city-observation-4717048

After Tursday night, I certainly want to see our defense tested more thoroughly. While our defensive shape was good with Olowu and McGrath coping easily, having the time and space to move the ball, they and our keeper weren't really tested physically from many set pieces.

Although Boro are unlikely to be throwing bombs into the box, you'd hope they'll stretch us even more.

Do we want to see the same starting line up? Or should McCann mix it up a bit more with maybe Wood starting with Sbarra, Sharp, Miller, Yeboah etc?

Think he might make a few changes to the starting line up. Those you mentioned may start possibly + maybe Nixon and Senior.
Think v Rotherham he will go with the team he will hope to play v Accrington in the 1st league game.
We are short on options in midfield while all of Clifton, Close and Westbrooke are injured.
Flint is an option of course.

[andy didcott]

Cheers, I would have rolled up at 3.

[ravenrover]

My guess is that .most of the subs in the 2nd half on Tuesday will be getting 60mins

[ncRover]

I hope there’s no catastrophizing about our shortcomings after this one.

Boro will be competing for premier league promotion this year and had a strong end to last season.

If Latte Lath is playing he will give whoever our defenders are a very hard time.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I hope there’s no catastrophizing about our shortcomings after this one.

Boro will be competing for premier league promotion this year and had a strong end to last season.

If Latte Lath is playing he will give whoever our defenders are a very hard time.

I watched highlights from their friendly v Gateshead last weekend which they won 1-0. Nobody was busting a gut, very much a friendly in the true sense.

Its difficult to know how these teams approach it. You can tell McCann was disappointed with Hull, because we want to be tested, we want them to put out their first team players to compete otherwise what's the point?  Although, there is a line. We don't want three players stretchered off like happened not too long ago (was that Hull too?)

[Alan Southstand]

It was Sheff U wasn’t it?

I’m hoping Anderson is back on the bench and maybe even Clayton (even if neither actually play). GM has said he hopes they bring their first team, but if we make too many changes, it will negate that to a degree.

Notably, Wood was on the bench v Hull, but never came on! So, has he got a slight knock or niggle?

[DonnyBazR0ver]

It was Sheff U wasn’t it?

I’m hoping Anderson is back on the bench and maybe even Clayton (even if neither actually play). GM has said he hopes they bring their first team, but if we make too many changes, it will negate that to a degree.

Notably, Wood was on the bench v Hull, but never came on! So, has he got a slight knock or niggle?

Moght have been.

Clayton, Anderson, Gary McSheffrey? Is this a time warp?,Ha ha.

[Monkcaster_Rover]

I think it was Newcastle.

[TheFunk]

Wasn't it Mitrovic who took all three players out too.

[drfchound]

I think it was Newcastle.

It was Newcastle.

[ravenrover]

Middleton was "done" in that game as I remember, I see he's now a Bobby

[ScillyRover]

Nearly 2000 Boro fans expected at the Eco today. Very good turnout from them if that’s the case. Doesn’t look like there’s a live stream on the Boro site which as an exile is disappointing. Needless to say absolutely nothing being offered by Rovers. If anyone does find a link either audio or video please post. Thanks.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Should be a cracking day for it and hoping for a decent crowd (for a friendly) of around 5000??

Hopefully a good afternoons entertainment and good value.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Looks like we'll be wearing the away kit today.

[Nudga]

I'm looking forward to this,  my first friendly of the summer.

[Chris Black come back]

Free Press reckon 2,000 Boro fans today.

[rover-n-out]

Will the team news and updates be posted on this thread anyone in the know? Thanks.

[Metalmicky]

Here you go...

[Metalmicky]

one - Nil Middlesbrough.... follow here.

https://x.com/drfc_official?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

[rover-n-out]

Thank you MM.

[ScillyRover]

1-1 Molly

[ncRover]

How we looking?

[rover-n-out]

2-1 Billy peno!!

[karldew]

2-1 Sharp Peno after Sbarra brought down
2-2 more or less straight away

[Batleyred]

Sharp makes it 2-1 but minutes after Boro equliise

[Chris Black come back]

Free Press reckon 2,000 Boro fans today.

4,236 including 1,738 Boro.

[dknward2]

Glad that Boro have got a pretty much full strength side if we can keep up with them it will be good sign

[Metalmicky]

3:2 boro

[swintonrover]

4-2 Boro