[Archived] News Article -> 2012/13 Full-Time: Middlesbrough 1 Rovers 0

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Rovers' slide down the table has continued after they lost 1-0 to Middlesbrough at the Riverside. Rovers played well in the first half, but were once again made to rue missed chances when Jutkiewicz put the home side ahead in the second half.

Rovers nearly took the lead inside of a minute when Kazim-Richards hit the post following good work from King. Rovers continued to exploit their pace down the flanks and looked dangerous as they pushed forward and hit the woodwork again when King's cross was diverted onto the post by Bikey. It was a lucky escape for Boro, but they nearly took the lead just after, but Jutkiewicz failed to make a solid connection and Kean was able to save when the striker should have done better.

If the first half was encouraging, the second half was a complete disaster. Rovers started reasonably well and had a good penalty shout turned down after King appeared to be pulled back in the box, but the home side soon began to boss proceedings as they started to win the midfield battle. Rovers looked tired and their play became sloppy and it was poor defending that allowed Middlesbrough to take the lead. Jutkiewicz continued his run after he played the ball to McDonald and the striker was able to fire home after the return ball. It was good play from Boro, but Berg will question how they failed to pick up such a straightforward run. Rovers never really responded to going a goal behind and Middlesbrough were able to comfortably see the match out, with McDonald missing a late chance to seal the result.

The result means that Rovers are now 8 points off the play-off places and sit closer to the relegation zone than they are to the play-offs. They have yet to keep a clean sheet under Berg and have now picked up just one point from their last six matches. There is growing speculation that Henning Berg's job is under review and this result will have done nothing to win over the doubters. It was a defeat against Middlesbrough that spelled the end for Steve Kean and there is the possibility that this loss may see Rovers look for a new manager for the second time this season.

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