Last Play Loss for 1st XV in Middlesbrough

Yes, yet another thrilling, nail biter of a game, with a full-blooded non-stop approach throughout. The question this week, as was last week is... should Goole have won? For me yes, they should have, even if it was only for their sheer bloody mindedness and Boro might disagree.
End to end, different styles of play, and the game being decided in the very last play of stoppage time courtesy of the home side's pack, who had been dominant at set piece time all game. The game ironically being decided with a penalty kick to the Goole 5 metre line. Lineout, catch and drive. Several phases of play, ultimately touching down to go from 9-10 down, to winning the game. It was strange to see the faces of the Goole supporters back in the clubhouse. All looking disappointed that Goole hadn’t beaten the league leaders.

A bright, sunny dry day, with pitch conditions good and a large crowd eagerly awaiting the re-match following Goole’s recent home win against the hosts. The slight breeze favouring Boro but Goole straight into the game and receiving a penalty award from the referee after 6 minutes. Kick to the corner, catch and drive and Ray Coates over for Goole's first score, the conversion going wide against the wind. Goole 0-5 nil in front.
A midfield tussle followed with the pressure being applied by the home side being matched with fierce defending from the visitors. This went on until on 16 minutes Goole were penalised for back chat to the official allowing Boro to get their first points of the day. 5 minutes later and Goole were awarded a penalty for offside by the home 15. Moore’s kick drifting wide. This pattern of play continued for the remainder of the half, Boro using the wind advantage to keep pushing Goole back into their own 22, Goole fighting tooth and nail to get back up field. The half ended without any further scores.

MIDDLESBOROUGH 3 GOOLE 5

The break must have given Boro the breathing space they needed, and time to reflect as there was a ferocious full bore blistering start to the 2nd half. Goole were there to stop any and all attempts to gain ground. Despite Goole’s solid defending, the home side's open field play was beginning to show signs that they could likely break the deadlock. Especially from their back division, whose deep support lines looked more and more dangerous and capable of breaching Goole’s line. Its fair to say that most of this was happening in the home side's half of the pitch, with Goole constantly stopping all attempts to breach their defences, and actually taking play back into the home 22 time after time. Goole looking just as dangerous at times and equally likely to breach the home line anytime. The stalemate was broken in the 61st minute when the Boro pacy attack caused sufficient problems to earn a penalty in front of Goole's posts. It was despatched with ease to edge the home side in front 6-5.
On the 68th minute more potent attacking was rewarded with another home penalty, to nudge Boro a further 3 points ahead to lead 9-5
From the re-start Goole went for it, with wave after wave of attack from all areas of the pitch. Holt ever present under the pressure relieving Boro kicks from their own half, returning the ball back into their half for Goole to press on further. Goole's sheer dogged determination finally paying off on 72 minutes when a mad scramble in Boro's 22 resulted in winger Barrass touching down in the left corner, to take Goole back in front 9-10.
With time running out, it looked like all Goole had to do was keep Boro in their own half. This strategy looked to be working, particularly when they had them on the 5metre line, at a line out, only for the ball to be lost and Boro running the ball from under their posts, out into midfield. Goole penalised, kick to the corner, line out, and the rest you already know.
If Goole can get some consistency in their set piece which in general is fine but has the occasional lapse, they will be strong title contenders in Y1 next season.
Looking for individual performances, many, if not all had fully committed games. However, it was at those crucial moments that you seemed to see the same faces right at the centre of things. Danny Holt certainly in the back three, Sam Smith in the centre, Ray Coates at almost every breakdown, and finally James Chantry, into everything. Reading the game well and coming up with both crucial tackles and crucial breaks just when things were not looking good for his team. Immense credit though to all 18 players involved, and to the coaching team, a glorious defeat if ever there was one.
The final run in sees Goole travel to Dinnington next week, a difficult fixture for any team. Then Leos at home, before ending this term with a hard trip to Bridlington.
So, keep on supporting, keep those fingers crossed, and well done Goole for their miraculous turnaround in form and performance since the turn of the year.