 |
|
UEFA Cup: Middlesborough in control against Xanthi [Fri Sep 16th, 2005]
George Boateng and Mark Viduka scored the goals that put Middlesborough in control of their UEFA Cup first-round tie against Xanthi of Greece, for whom ex-Boro favourite Emerson featured.
Boateng reacted swiftly to score in the first half when goalkeeper Petr Pizanowski beat out Massimo Maccarone's shot.
And after Xanthi had threatened for a spell, Viduka gave Boro a two-goal cushion to take to Greece in a fortnight. The Australian striker scored with a deflected effort off Jacques Paviot.
Only just over 14,000 fans turned up at the Riverside to watch their side embark on their second European adventure, for which manager Steve McClaren rested captain Gareth Southgate, full-back Franck Queudrue and summer signing Yakubu – who all started on the bench.
Afterwards McClaren was pleased with the result, saying: "We asked for a clean sheet and two goals at least and we've got that. We had 11 players left on the park, no red cards and no injuries," he said.
"We rested some players and we got through this game - it puts us in good condition for Sunday. In the second half they came out and had a go and could have scored."
McClaren added: "I think the first hour we controlled it and then the bench brought some more energy in the second half.
"We knew they were a good side. It is not going to be easy over in Greece - it never is. I would have liked a third but we're in control.
"There are no easy games in Europe - you ask Bolton and ask Everton, that's what we learned last year."
News headlines from around the world.