Compared to most of the other teams in the division encounters between us and 'Boro are rare. The first meeting was at Ayresome Park in the First Round of the FA Cup in 1924. Our 1-0 win was something of an upset as we were a Division 3 (South) side whilst they were in Division 1, albeit they would go down at the end of the season. It would be another 42 years before we'd meet again when they were relegated to Division 3 for the first time in their history.
Altogether we've met just 24 times, winning 9, drawing 4 and losing 11. We've scored 27 goals to their 34. Upon Teeside we've won 3, drawn 4 and lost 6 of the 13 games scoring 14 to their 22.
Our last meetings were in the Premiership in 2006/7. We secured one of only three home wins that season by beating them 2-0 thanks to Ashley Young and a Jonathan Woodgate own goal. At the Riverside we went down 4-1 with Damian Francis scoring for the 'Orns.
Although they are currently third Middlesbrough's home form has been patchy so far, winning 2, drawing 1 and losing their last 2 homes games to Leicester and West Brom. In the last game before the International break they ensured Judas' miserable time continued winnning 2-0 away.
In their current squad one name shines out due to his wonderful 12 game loan spell at Vicarage Road and that, of course, is Adam Johnson. He scored 6 goals but even that impressive stat doesn't really reflect how much he added to our team in the short time he was with us back in 07/08.
My plan had been to go up to the Riverside as its one of those I've never managed to get to yet, however family plans and a stinking cold mean that I'll enjoy Jeff Stelling's company tomorrow afternoon whilst keeping an ear on Three Counties.
