Middlesbrough produced remarkable character in a pulsating contest with Preston North End. Defiant Blues battled back from two goals down to earn a deserved and dramatic equaliser in the Sky Bet Championship. Then came Hansen’s brilliant individual stoppage-time equaliser, keeping Boro’s unbeaten run going this season in sudden dramatic fashion. The game featured a back-and-forth pace, highlighted by individual plays and the lead changing hands multiple times.
Lewis Dobbin put Preston ahead with an early special, rounding the goalkeeper for a brilliant opener. He was looking for a world class curling effort into the top corner from the edge of the area. This early goal turned the match into a highly combative, competitive fixture. Middlesbrough came roaring back, showing their desire to fight for a spot in the playoffs.
Middlesbrough’s Resilience Shines
After conceding first, Middlesbrough settled and began to push the attack. Matt Targett brought them level in the 72 nd minute, netting an equaliser that sparked dreams of one of the great comebacks. Despite moments of near-miss from both sides, including a close-range strike from David Strelec that deflected wide, Middlesbrough’s persistence paid off.
Rob Edwards, Middlesbrough’s manager, was quick to praise his team’s fighting spirit in the immediate aftermath of the match.
“If you aren’t able to win it, then you can’t lose it. I loved the reaction from the team both times after going behind. We didn’t show disappointment. We got on with it.” – Rob Edwards
Edwards credited his players for their relentless focus and poise. These key characteristics, along with unwavering determination, allowed them to recover from disappointments throughout the match.
Late Drama Defines the Match
As the game neared its end, Preston regained control when Jordan Storey scored in the 88th minute. Storey headed in a perfectly-placed cross from Ben Whiteman, sending the Deepdale faithful into raptures. As the clock ticked down, it looked like Preston would take all three points.
Middlesbrough had other plans. In an exciting conclusion, Sontje Hansen made his move. He picked up the elusive third goal during a frantic pinballing goalmouth scramble to tie the game up once more. His dramatic late equaliser rescued a point for his team. It also went on to demonstrate the doggedness and combative nature of Boro.
A Game of Missed Opportunities
Each side found opportunities to tilt the game even more in their favor. Lewis Dobbin was almost through to double his scoring already but pulled a shot wide on the swivel. Meanwhile, Ali McCann’s attacking ingenuity from midfield went a long way in keeping Preston in the match for a surprisingly long time.
Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney blasted a shot from outside the area. He almost did it, but his attempt was not quite on the mark. It was an exciting match with high-paced, end-to-end action and nail-biting, heart-pounding near misses that surely had everyone in attendance on their feet.
Preston’s manager, Paul Heckingbottom was quick to express his displeasure at the absence of goal-line technology for the game. He feels this lack had a major impact on the outcome of the game.
“We knew before the game we didn’t have it (goal-line technology). It’s just Sod’s law that decides the game.” – Paul Heckingbottom
His remarks are a testament to the level of stakes and tenor on both sides as each team fought desperately to win a hard-fought, close game.
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