Thoughts from today

Seemed like forever waiting for this game.

Awful form over a number of games, desperate for a change of form tonight.

A defeat wouldnt spell the end for us, but a win was really needed to keep us up there and for morale.

Always speculation over whether Bamford starts but its about as string a line up as Farke could put out.

Before you know it we're behind, Gnonto was pushed but Burma had overlapped so left short at back and Gruev was lost by his opponents who finds the telling pass to create confusion and we're behind.


Was really worried we wouldn't come back, but one player who had gone off teh boil a bit found his mojo and that was Rutter, surges into area, brought down penalty.

No question who is going to take stand Summerville scores again, even if it was a little close for comfort and we're back in it quickly and then again before you know it, great cross in from Firpo and Bamford somehow gets on end off it, no more than he deserved for his efforts in this and recent matches.

But it's not plain sailing, our midfield looks really lightweight, Gruev just not making any real challenges and Firpo looking dodgy defensively, Boro probed, exploiting our space and score a great equaliser and this game could end up any score you like.

Entertaining stuff, just not highest calibre stuff.

Gnonto was workmanlike but not making inroads, Rutter putting himself about and Bamford working his socks off.

Glimpses of good play and then some slick passing and Gnonto reacts quickly to put us ahead from just inside the box.

Clearly offside but missed by linesman, it's not like us to get some luck like this but with 6 nervy minutes, we desperately need to get into the break not behind and in this case ahead.

Second half seemed really strange, loads of possession for Boro, but actually really clever. We've struggled to break down teams that sit back so why not sit back ourselves and try and take them on the break and that's exactly what happens, Summerville cuts inside and its trademark goal for him, he must be practising these in training because they're carbon copies every time, and the relief is palpable, surely that is it.

Celebrations say it all, this means everything to them and huge relief.

But 2 goals doesn't feel enough, so not sure what subs I would make apart from maybe adding Kamara in middle.

Piroe for Bamford seems sensible but suddenly we dont have Bamford's energy and pressing and little touches, Piroe just not quite that level at present.

Can live with that, but then Rutter off, who had proved a real handful and Gnonto, who despite his goal was less influential, for Kamara and James is ok, but then we've lost Bamford and Rutter who were big parts of game so far.

Final substitution of Summerville just took off too many effective players for my liking and then Boro score great goal and we're under real pressure.

Firpo who had defended poorly stepped up and he Rodon and Ampadu along with Meslier did what was needed at the back, Kamara helped out and Gray was a great driving force at times.

Really nervy end to the game, but enough raised performances to secure a priceless three points.

James injured at end, hope he's ok, looked really painful, also hope Rutter come through ok as he was roughhoused, especially being taken out so cynically towards the end and his efforts tonight were a big step in right direction to better performances I hope.

So much good from tonight, effort, character, some good football at times, goals and dare we use a Farke favourite.....belief.

We don't have great record in London in recent years, but this Friday is the time to smash that and hep the pressure on Ipswich and Leicester too,

And finally, I know they are in totally different situations but just over 12 months ago we'd be listening to marsh spouting utter rubbish after matches and now we have someone who talks sense, has created unity and given us a real fighting chance.