Keeping pace is boss’ aim

TONY Pulis readily admits that he does not have enough pace in the team in the final third of the pitch, particularly on the flanks.

This is something he will look at address next month.

But then the Boro boss must still have expected that his side would have managed to amass more goals by this stage of the campaign.

One of the major problems is that Boro have not scored anywhere near the number of set-piece goals which have been planned.

Boro spend a lot of time practising set-pieces on the training pitch with goals in mind. This includes corners, free-kicks and long throw-ins.

When Aden Flint was signed last summer, there was a belief either Flint or fellow centreback Daniel Ayala might be capable of reaching double figures from set-pieces. This has proved to be rather fanciful thinking but also rather disappointing.

Flint scored nine goals for Bristol City last season and throughout his career has a good record in front of goal.

When he scored for Boro against Sheffield United, it looked as if the floodgates would open.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be a false dawn.

Ayala scored seven goals in the second half of last season. He notched a vital last-ditch winner against West Brom in August but has also missed clear-cut chances.

Pulis did attempt to give Boro more aerial power in the box when he brought back Rudy Gestede at Preston.

However, the former Blackburn and Villa man suffered another agonising injury in the first half which has put him back on the sidelines.

Boro still have aerial strength from the back so it will be hoped the defensive goalscorers are more productive in the second half of the season.