LATE GOALS in each half proved the difference in Northwich as a spirited display from Boro's Reserves wasn't enough to grab what would have been a fully deserved point, writes STE CROSSMAN from the Marston's Arena.

A strong looking and experienced side took to the field for the Barclays Premier Reserve League North clash with Manchester United.

Tony McMahon continued his rehabilitation by starting the game and Shawky played his first minutes of football since successfully retaining the African Cup of Nations with Egypt last month, while Seb Hines was handed the captaincy. 

In total, seven of Boro's squad had first team experience and they were required for what was a very important game for a Boro side whose season could yet go either way. Before kick-off they were just five points behind second placed Manchester City and just five points above second bottom Wigan Athletic.

The visitors might have thought they were up against it before a ball was kicked after the tannoy announced that one of the referee's assistants was somewhat suspiciously named Mark Hughes!

Indeed, the first chance of the game fell to United as captain Sam Hewson struck the ball from a central position 20 yards out. He could only warm the palms of Brad Jones, however, as the Australian saved comfortably low to his left.

Boro's first opportunity would come just four minutes later. Seb Hines has impressed in the first team recently and after his shot from distance was deflected wide of the post, a low corner was driven way over the top by Graeme Owens.

Boro could easily have gone ahead on 13 minutes after a terrific move started in his own half by Dong Gook Lee. A one-two with Shawky was followed by a neat switch by Stephen Thompson to allow Adam Johnson the freedom of the left-hand side of the penalty area. The England U21 international struck a powerful drive which was unfortunately straight at Ben Foster.

John Johnson also went close for the visitors and as they began to control the tempo before a great header from Stephen Thompson was millimetres away from giving Boro a deserved lead.

Seb Hines again found himself in an advanced position down the right and delivered a superb cross for Thompson, whose clever flick header from just inside the area looped over the top of a helpless Foster and struck the crossbar on its way over the top.

If one was needed, Boro were given a reminder of the class of their opposition on 27 minutes when Chris Eagles free-kick from 30 yards beat Brad Jones but struck the post and cannoned away from goal.

Shawky was booked on the half hour for diving and a minute later Stephen Thompson drove the ball comfortably over the top of the bar from the right- hand edge of the area with Adam Johnson and Dong Gook Lee well placed in the middle.

Thompson was having the lion's share of the opportunities and ten minutes before the break he had his best of the game so far. Another flowing move involving McMahon, a delightful Owens flick and finally Dong Gook Lee's centre presented a great shooting chance to Thompson in the centre of the area, but the striker blazed high over the crossbar.

Adam Johnson then kept Foster busy with a well struck free kick that was grabbed on the line by the keeper. Five minutes before the break Foster almost marked his return to action with a howler after good strength from Dong Gook Lee almost punished some dallying by the former Watford loanee, although Boro failed to make the most of the chance and Foster eventually recovered to grab the ball.

United would have been happy to get in with the scores level but as Boro pushed for the opening goal, they were hit by a sucker punch at the other end.

Good work in the centre of midfield resulted in the ball dropping to Danny Welbeck wide on the left-hand side and his low cross was expertly diverted into the net by an unmarked Sam Hewson.

As the United captain wheeled away the board went up to show just one minute of added time at the end of the half. It would pass by without incident and Boro could count themselves very unlucky indeed to go in at the break one down.

Half-time: Manchester United Res 1 Middlesbrough Res 0

Boro removed Shawky at the break after his first-half booking, as a red card in the Reserves would have meant he'd have been suspended for a first team game. David Hillerby replaced the Egyptian international.

Six minutes into the second period and again it was Boro who were creating the chances. Seb Hines made his way into United territory once more to play Graeme Owens in down the right and the winger returned the ball to Hines, who struck a right-footed shot from 25 yards, Foster saving comfortably as the drive flew straight at him.

A cheap foul on Stephen Thompson gave the visitors their next chance. Graeme Owens thumped a brilliantly judged free-kick from 25 yards that looked destined for the top corner, only for the ball to hammer into the crossbar for a second time in the game with Foster nothing more than a spectator.

Despite their domination Boro were inches away from conceding a second on 62 minutes after Ben Foster and Danny Welbeck almost linked up for the ultimate route one goal.

Foster's punt down field wasn't dealt with by Rhys Williams,whose air kick allowed Danny Welbeck to nod the ball past Brad Jones, but as the United man almost began his celebration, Hines heroically launched himself at the ball, lashing it away from goal just before it reached the line.

It would prove to be important, as Boro levelled just eight minutes later. A shot from Owens into a crowded United area struck the hand of Danny Simpson and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Ben Foster must have been thinking of a penalty save to mark his return from a long lay-off but he was given no chance as Graeme Owens hammered the ball into the net via the underside of the crossbar, the woodwork, for once, helping out the visitors.

Chris Eagles could have restored United's lead on 73 minutes when his fierce right-footed effort from distance whistled just wide of Jones' post. The Aussie's despairing dive could have had it covered, although it was mighty close.

Boro made their final two changes with 12 minutes to go as England youth duo Jonathan Franks and Nathan Porritt came on to replace Stephen Thompson and Dong Gook Lee.

Just as Boro were starting to build toward finding a late winner, United stole all three points. With six minutes left on the clock a superb individual goal from Chris Eagles gave United the win as he lashed the ball home 25 yards, giving Brad Jones no chance, the ball going in off the post.

With time running out United almost made it three. Eagles' free-kick got a slight deflection that swung the ball toward Jones' top corner, the Aussie had to pull of the save of the night to deny him, flinging himself to his left to palm the ball away.

Boro had one last chance to snatch a well deserved point as the board went up to signal three minutes of added time. Owens tame free-kick came back of the wall and fell to Tony McMahon, his right-footed shot flying over the bar.

It would be the last meaningful action of the night with the referee blowing for time and condemning Boro's reserves to a sixth straight game without a win. On their showing in Northwich, however, this is something they should put right soon.

*Boro's second string will next face Bolton Wanderers at Billingham Synthonia next week.

Middlesbrough: Jones; McMahon, Johnson, Shawky (Hillerby 45), Hines, Williams, Owens, Smallwood, Thompson (Franks 78), Lee (Porritt 78), Johnson.

Man Utd: Foster; Eckersley, Simpson, Chester, Pique, Hewton, Possebon (Evans 75), Fagan (Bryan 78), Welbeck, Eagles, Cleverley.

Referee: Steven Cummins

Bookings

Middlesbrough: Shawky, 30, diving, Smallwood, 69, foul

Man Utd: None

Attendance: 360

Conditions: Very Cold and still.