Boro go top of the League

Boro go top of the League
Middlesbrough made the long journey down to Cambridge at the weekend to face Bury St Edmunds in a must win encounter. With league leaders Herne Bay United competing in the National Cup on the same day it was a perfect opportunity for Boro to set the pace at the top of the table and with neither team looking likely to drop points it would make the final game of the season, which sees Middlesbrough play Herne Bay United the deciding game in the championship.
With so much at stake it was no wonder that Middlesbrough started nervously, they failed to take control in the early encounters of the game, only mustering a few sporadic attempts on goal. However Boro’s recent run of victories has been based on more than a keen eye in front of goal, their team spirit and work ethos has also meant they are incredibly difficult to beat. With Bury enjoying the majority of possession, Middlesbrough’s defence stood strong and as Bury grew frustrated Middlesbrough capitalised. Boro captain Michael Ableson receiving a neat pass; turning sharply in the area to score the first of the game. Bury however remained in control and quickly responded through England Junior International Liam Conroy, despite Boro stopper Dan Palmer putting together a string of fine saves. Boro remained resilient and although still unable to take control of the game continued to work tirelessly as a team, reaping the rewards with Owen Stewart scoring twice and one more for Ableson giving Boro a 4 – 1 lead. Bury rallied before half time though, showing why they are the only team to take points off current champions Herne Bay United by bagging a well deserved goal through a piece of individual skill from Darren Willis, bringing the half time score to Boro 4, Bury 2.
With the game finely balanced Boro came out in the second half looking more relaxed and finally began to get their usual fluent attacking game working. As Boro piled on the pressure Bury cracked and gave away a clumsy penalty, carefully dispatched by John Jones, taking the score to 5 – 2. With more than twenty minutes remaining the game was far from over and despite finally looking settled and creating several clear cut chances it was Bury who found the back of the net with Willis managing two well taken goals to reduce Boro’s lead to a slender 5 – 4. With nearly nine minutes remaining Boro showed their maturity sometimes lacking in recent seasons. Calling a timeout and introducing Peter Lonsdale and Grant Zaccaria, they reorganised their defence and looked as resilient as ever. Boro kept Bury at arm’s length; passing and holding the ball when in possession, maintaining a threat on goal but ensuring that they remained in control. Final score Boro 5, Bury 4.
Boro captain Ableson said after the game “That was a must win game for us. At times we weren’t at our best but we worked hard for one another. Bury threw everything at us in that last ten minutes but we stood strong. To beat a team as good as Bury, when were not at our best, is a real credit to the whole team.”
In the crowd at the game was National Roller Hockey Association President Keith Allen. Keith commented after the game “It was a pleasure to see our Sport of Roller Hockey played to such a high standard by two of the finest teams in England. The match itself was a fantastic advert for Roller Hockey and the contribution made by both teams showed passion, skill and expertise from players at the top of their game. Roller Hockey is a team game and Middlesbrough showed what a tight knit team they are with some outstanding play. Bury on the other hand have some great individuals which made the game even more exciting because of the contrast in styles. Middlesbrough kept their title hopes alive by winning the game 5-4 with some excellent team play and outstanding goals. “