Good solo shows as trio impress in defeat
BORO threw everything forward in a pulsating end to a high-tempo and entertaining game played in a fractious atmosphere.
The team wasn’t as fluid or polished as in recent games – and credit to Forest for taking the game to them – but they couldn’t force a deserved leveller despite a flurry of chances.
But while Boro lost, there were some good solo shows. Here’s who impressed. THE bustling Benin international put in an industrial shift up front. He hustled and bustled, battled, chased down ball and man and won almost everything in the air to tear holes in the Forest rearguard.
Gestede brought a good first-half save but his most important role was creating for others with a couple of deft flick-ons and aerial knock-downs on the edge of the box sending team-mates through.
Had Britt Assombalonga worn his shooting boots, Gestede may have ended up with several assists. HE faced a torrid time against veteran handful Daryl Murphy but he came through that test.
He made one thundering sliding tackle to block a Murphy shot in the first half and rarely looked flustered in the box when the heat was on.
And he looks increasingly composed playing out from the game. At one point he did a neat drag-back and turn under pressure to spark a quick counter.
THE rocket-fuelled flanker changed the game. His explosive pace and incredible close control freaked Forest who didn’t know how to handle him.
And Traore has added some end product to his game, putting in a couple of dangerous crosses and through balls to carve out some dangerous situations.