Middlesbrough’s domestic pre-season campaign got under way against Spennymoor Town last night, triumphing 2-0 over the National League North side.
Last week saw Middlesbrough travel to Austria to face Sturm Graz, a game which they lost 1-0. However, their opening domestic pre-season game saw the Teessiders face off against local side Spennymoor Town.
The side in the sixth tier of English football welcomed the Championship club to The Brewery Field, as 700 fans watched on.
Goals from Patrick Bamford and Britt Assomabalonga separated the sides, with a goal in each half. Both strikers have been linked with a move away from the club, but it will be refreshing for manager Tony Pulis to see both men giving their all for their team.
Many fans took to Twitter to express their thoughts on the game, as Middlesbrough got their first win of pre-season.
Prior to kick-off, Boro named a positive starting eleven with almost all of them regulars in the Championship for Middlesbrough last season.
Strong line up is that 💪🏻👍🏻. #boro #mfc #utb https://t.co/764JnaorU3
— Ian Smith (@Smithy_MFC84) July 10, 2018
Although some saw the line up as strong, others pointed to the fact Boro were starting the game with four recognised centre-backs on the pitch, with Shotton, Gibson, Fry and Flint.
Pulis starting a full strength team and 4 centre backs against Spennymoor is just dreamy, I love it #TPMasterclass pic.twitter.com/MLJQKQ78h1
— This Charming Fan (@TCFan_) July 10, 2018
Some fans may have got carried away given the opposition, but remain positive about the season ahead.
We’re beating spennymoor Get In. We’re walking the league https://t.co/pM5pvCkBNN
— Jack (@jackallisonnn) July 10, 2018
Good result lets hope we can keep this up when the season starts #BORO2018 #Boro #UTB https://t.co/Aoh3sguMo6
— mikelouden (@mike_louden) July 10, 2018
This Middlesbrough fan felt the conditions weren’t great, but thought that new signings Aden Flint and Paddy McNair were impressive in their first domestic tie for their new side.
Game 1 – Spennymoor away
Decent start to our domestic pre season schedule, decent run out for the lads considering they were running uphill in the first half! Bright start, new signings impressed, keep pushing! pic.twitter.com/qqwe41b9RE— Stephen Jackson (@SmoggyOnTour) July 10, 2018
Finally, opposition Spennymoor Town tweeted that the game showed the gulf in class between the two sides, but the Northern League North side did give a good account of themselves.
FT – Spennymoor Town 0-2 Middlesbrough
Class told in the end from @Boro despite a spirited performance from Moors, who looked pretty solid for the most part.
Have a nice evening all – fingers crossed for tomorrow night#ItsComingHome
— Spennymoor Town FC (@SpennymoorTown) July 10, 2018
Middlesbrough play SV Sandhausen on July 14th in their next pre-season fixture. The game is to be played in Germany at the Julius Strohmayer Stadion in Mindelheim.
