Derby momentum gives Boro a ray of hope

A VITAL injection of belief from the Tees-Wear derby victory could help to unhinge Manchester City and give Boro a slight glimmer of survival hope this afternoon. If Boro can build on the high level of determination and resilience they displayed against Sunderland, then Pep Guardiola’s problems might intensify. Boro and City have already met at the Riverside this season in the sixth round of the FA Cup, which turned out to be Aitor Karanka’s last game in charge.

Boro’s hopes of reaching Wembley suffered an early body blow when David Silva netted for the visitors after only three minutes.

The goal completely took the wind out of Boro’s sails.

With the capacity home crowd silenced for a while, Boro never really recovered their composure. They were already chasing the game when Sergio Aguero scored City’s second goal.

Overall City were by far the better side on the day and might have won by more than two goals.

Yet if Boro had been able to keep a clean sheet up until the interval things could have been a little different.

Naturally,, City desperately need to win today’s clash at the Riverside to try to hang on to a Champions League place.

However, barring any early goals, they might find the Teessiders a different kettle of fish second time around.

Victories of any description can have a massive impact on the mood of any dressing room.

Even though Boro’s winning performance against Sunderland was based on graft rather than