Tired Boro make their point

GARETH SOUTHGATE might dream of turning Middlesbrough into the Arsenal of the north — all flowing football played by bright-eyed tyros — but not every game lends itself to such fantasy football.

This was one of them. A jaded Boro had been poor for the majority of the match and deservedly fell behind to Hayden Mullins’ 21st-minute strike.

It was only in the final 20 minutes that the home side came to life and really tested Hammers goalkeeper Robert Green.