Report by Ray Stewart

Middlesbrough Minors finished their league season in style at Barnsley’s Metrodome on Sunday.

A point was required to ensure the league title was Middlesbrough’s but another fine display from the Boro squad saw them win all three games to produce a perfect points tally for the season (played 16, won 16).

The last game of the day proved to be Boro’s most difficult game as a very strong Manchester team went into a 2 goal lead – Manchester 2 v Boro 0. The Middlesbrough team then got their game together and started to force Manchester to defend for long periods of time and despite some sterling defence, Boro eventually got the breakthrough their play deserved.

After the initial breakthrough Boro started to pile on the pressure and shot after shot was repelled by a very stubborn Manchester rearguard. The offensive dominance of the Boro attack finally broke through the Manchester line again to make the score 2 – 2 which seemed to signal the end for a very competitive Manchester team and the Boro finally ran out 5 – 2 winners.

Coach Dave Fothergill said “We are thrilled to win the league and to go right through the season winning all our games is testament to the hard work the players have put in this season”.

“Full marks to all the players in the Minors league as they have made it a very competitive and entertaining competition this season”.