Boro leave it late, stay in the hunt for the playoffs

The Hornets went ahead mid way through the first half with Ismaila Sarr cleverly deflectling Philip Zinckernagel’s shot from the egde of the box to leave Marcus Bettinelli helpless in the Boro goal.

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Joao Pedro had two glorious opportunities to double Watford’s advantage, but could not find a way past the Middlesborough goal. Unlucky for him and The Hornets, Watford could not hang onto their one goal advantage.

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With 12 minutes to go, subsititute Bolasie equalised through his sides first effort on target. A diving header, the execution was immaculately produced to meet Paddy McNair’s scorching wide freekick. Daniel Bachmann could only watch on from Watford’s goal, witnessing his side concede late on and not come away with the crucial three points required to push them closer towards the automatic promotion places.

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With the game ending 1-1, this was only the second occasion in 12 games that Watford dropped points after taking the lead. The result meaning that The Hornets still remained 10 points ahead of third-placed Brentford, who have two games in hand.

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After taking away a point from the clash, Middlesborough ended the day in ninth place, six points from the play-off places.

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Throughout the game, chances were a rarity with both sides battling it out with constant midfield battles. Both Zinckernagel and Ken Sema had their early shots comfortably saved by Bettinelli.

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The goal which eventually came in the 32nd minute was a result of Boro’s own wrong-doing as constant poor clearances from defenders Jonny Howson and Marc Bola finally cost them. Zinckernagel was able to capatalise and his shot was cleverly anticipated by Sarr, whose delicate touch allowed the ball to trickle past the Boro goal.

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Middlesborough did start the second half brightly, with Watmore believing he had scored four minutes into the second half. The Englishman carefully blocked George Saville’s header using his back before turning the ball past Bachmann, only for the flag to go up and rule out the goal for off-side.

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Both defences were on top for majority of the game, although the Brazilian wizard, Pedro tried his best to open up the Boro defence. His low effort from 20 yards, just wide from Bettinelli’s far post.

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But with the score delicately poised at 1-0, it was Boro who had the last say. Sema’s foul out wide heavily punished as Everton loanee Bolasie scored for the first time since changing his jersey colors from blue to red.

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The draw helping Boro capture a vital point as they face five sides in the bottom half in their final six matches in their quest to make it into the play-offs.

 

 

Middlesborough manager Neil Warnock was full of praises for his team’s effort in his post match interview. He stated how his side managed to come toe to toe with the Championships best side in Watford. He further highlighted his optimism by stating how he believed that the club still had an outside chance of making it to the playoffs and needed his side to remain optimistic.

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Watford coach Xisco Munoz showcased completely contrasting emotions by sharing his disappointed on the outcome. He highlighted how the game didn’t produce a lot of chances, but still believed his side produced enough to capture the second and vital goal.

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He ended his post match interview by elaborating that his side must keep going and fighting to the complete limit in order to fulfill the dream of heading back to the Premier League.

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Man of the Match: Marcus Bettinelli: Immaculate saves, the Englishman kept his side in the game and helped them come away with a valuable point against the Hornets. Considering his recent performances, his form will be vital if Middlesborough want any chance of making it into the play-offs.