The North-East Summit || Middlesbrough F.C. news, reviews and comment

THE NORTH-EAST SUMMIT - JONES OFF TO A LEFT FOOT FLYER 19-9-07
Stuart Young

Kenwyne Jones scored on his home debut as Sunderland notched their second win of the season in front of a tearful home crowd as they paid tribute to a legend.

In the capital Boro were looking for back to back victories in the league but came unstuck against the Hammers at Upton Park whilst the Magpies travelled to Pride Park on Monday night and were beaten by a wonder goal from Kenny Miller.

Sunderland

It was an emotional return to the league after the international break. The Sunderland faithful paid tribute to Ian Porterfield before their home game against Reading at the Stadium of Light.

The Sunderland players gave it their all to honour the memory of the F.A Cup hero and ran out 2-1 winners and earned a well deserved three points to lift them level on points with Middlesbrough.

New boy Kenwyne Jones scored a cracking home debut goal and proved his worth to the home fans. I must admit Jones does look like he has potential at the top and with more games under his belt could be a firm fans favourite. Especially now they have a goal celebration expert; full marks for the flip Ken! But let's see what you can do against a world class defender this Saturday.

Roy Keane will be pleased with the three points but I'm not sure how pleased he would have been with a point as Reading nearly crept in with an equaliser in the final last nervy minutes of the match.

A tough game at the Riverside this weekend for Sunderland. The first taste of Northeast rivalry for Keane and his new boys as they look for back to back wins.

Middlesbrough

The Boro boys were on the wrong end of a 3-0 defeat at Upton Park on Saturday. I felt the score flattered the home side and Boro should have come away with something but that's football.

If we can't finish good chances we're not going to win games. I'm not too sure if Aliadiere's chance that hit the post was unlucky or bad finishing. And Sanli's chances, am I being a little critical of the Boro strikers here or is this fair? He had two great chances to score but couldn't find the net on both occasions.

At the other end it was a bit of a mess and Southgate was furious as the Boro boys switched off for that first five minutes of the second half. Gareth would have said his piece after the game in the dressing room and let's hope the message has sunk in ahead of the game on Saturday because if the Boro players let Sunderland have a sniff they are in for a long and tough game.

Now to some pleasing news about Adam Johnson. He has gone down to the Hornets for three months so he can "play" some football. Yes Adam Johnson will actually get to strut his stuff in front of the Watford fans for a few months as he tries to prove to Southgate he's good enough to play every week. Good luck Adam!

A cracking game is in store for us this Saturday as the rivalry gets cranked up a few notches. Boro need to get back on track and Sunderland are looking for their first away win of the season.

Newcastle

Apparently Newcastle had fourteen players away on international duty last week. I didn't hear any other manager complaining about that apart from Rafa but he has got a massive "quality" squad to choose from but that's what the Premier League is all about.

You have good players, which are internationals. They are expected to be called up for international duty. Get over it, dry your eyes mate. I mean Sam.

Would everyone agree that Monday night televised games are usually really boring? Nothing has changed then. Newcastle travelled to Derby on Monday night after both squads had an extra two days to recover from international duties.

Both teams looked very lethargic on the ball. I put this down to having too much sleep Saturday and Sunday night! I bet Big Sam wished his team had played at the weekend like everyone else.

The goal that determined the game was a wonder strike by new boy Kenny Miller. He marked his home debut in spectacular fashion to take all three points for his new team.

Newcastle were limited to few chances in the game but should of got a penalty as Rozehnal appeared to have been fouled in the area but the referee was in bad spot to see the incident and waved play on.

After their first defeat of the season Newcastle have to re-group get some sleep and hope they wake up in time for the West Ham game on Sunday.

So after an eventful weekend it's as we were. Newcastle still out in front by a point with Boro and Sunderland catching up.

See You At The Top.

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