Pulis joy as Wing gets off to a flyer
THE rise and rise of Lewis Wing continues to provide the plot line for a footballing fairy story.
From non-League Shildon to football’s second tier in 18 months is quite a climb but the attacking Boro midfielder is making it look easy.
The latest chapter turned out to be quite the page turner. A first Championship goal and an assist for Britt Assombalonga’s 82nd-minute winner to spoil Birmingham’s second-half comeback.
Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis said: “Lewis has been a breath of fresh air. He’s going to be a good player but he’s got a lot to learn. We have to be careful with him.”
Wing, who came off injured, was given his Boro debut by current Birmingham boss Garry Monk.
The breakthrough goal came in the 37th minute and was thoroughly deserved as Wing slid in to convert George Saville’s pass.
Jordan Hugill had a shot blocked before coming close to clipping the corner flag.
He then had another effort blocked by defender Kristian Pedersen’s foot. The loose ball fell to Dael Fry who was also foiled by the acrobatic Pedersen.
Judging by Birmingham’s revitalised appearance after the break, words had been said. Of the short and sweet variety.
The improvement was extraordinary with Harlee Dean heading against a post and Lukas Jutkiewicz forcing a save from Darren Randoph.
Tempers then flared when ref Graham Scott booked Blues striker Che Adams for simulation as he went down under a challenge from Daniel Ayala with the stadium screaming for a penalty.
Monk said: “In the first half we got distracted by the ref’s constant whistling.
“We spoke about it at half-time and I thought we were fantastic in the second half. Then one ball down the middle – it’s very harsh.”
Adams’ response to his booking was his 13th goal of the season from a pass by Jutkiewicz in the 79th minute.
Then a quick ball from Wing, Assombalonga on it like a flash. Storyline with a happy ending.