Hibernian 2 Boro 3
BORO came back from two goals down to secure a 3-2 victory over Hibernian, writes SAM LOUGHRAN from Easter Road.
The travelling contingent of Boro fans behind the goal were in full voice come kick-off in Edinburgh for a game that saw the return of Stewart Downing to the starting line-up while Tuncay began for the first time in pre-season.
Hibernian struggled to keep the ball in the opening exchanges as Boro pushed in their bid to profit from the wasteful Scots.
With ten minutes gone the home side took the lead with their first goal of pre-season as Jonathan Grounds couldn't cut out a right-wing cross that found Steven Fletcher, who powered home from eight yards out.
Boro pressed in an attempt for an equaliser but after good work from Jeremie Aliadiere and Luke Young, the full-back couldn't get his shot away as Hibs cleared.
The Frenchman was causing trouble down the Boro right and this time made a solid sliding challenge that allowed Tuncay to weave space but he shot just over from 20-yards.
As Boro continued to press, Downing played an inch-perfect 30-yard ball that found Mido inside-left of the Hibs area but just as he shaped to shoot a covering tackle saved the home side.
It was Gary O'Neil who crafted Boro's next chance as he fed Aliadiere on the shoulder of David Van Zanten.
The former Arsenal man drove the ball inside the six-yard box but saw a last-ditch clearance fend off Boro again.
With 25 minutes elapsed Julio Arca crashed worryingly to the floor in some pain following a strong challenge, a tackle that required the Argentine to be carried off on a stretcher.
Didier Digard came into the fray to partner O'Neil in the centre of midfield following Arca's injury
With no designated captain now on the pitch Boro looked disorganised at the back and only a point-blank stop from Ross Turnbull prevented Mixu Paatelainen's side doubling their advantage.
A superb ball from substitute Digard found Young in acres of space on the right-flank. The former Charlton man cut inside on his left-foot and drilled a shot off the bar as Boro edged ever closer to an equaliser.
Half-time: Hibernian 1 Middlesbrough 0
Within two minutes of the restart Downing cut in from the left onto his right-foot and unleashed a 25-yard rocket that flew inches wide of the top corner.
Gareth Southgate's men pressed for a leveller but couldn't find the vital touch in what was becoming a frustrating final third of the pitch.
And they were made to pay when long-range effort from Fletcher appeared to swerve in front of Turnbull, who couldn't stop the drive and Boro fell two behind.
Adam Johnson was brought on to replace Tuncay while Mido made way for Afonso Alves as Boro tried to get back into the game.
Alves made an instant impact as his first touch was to convert a right-wing cross as he powered past Andrew McNeil to give Boro something to chase - the Brazilian had been on the pitch just 33 seconds before pouncing.
Another substitute, Adam Johnson, whipped in a near post corner from the right, it was flicked on and Wheater had the simple task of heading Boro back level.
Boro then made a double substitution which saw Rhys Williams and Joe Bennett replace Young and Downing.
Astonishingly, another first touch of the game, this time from Williams, saw the Welshman whip in a ball from the right that was met by an unmarked Alves back post to head home and give Boro the lead for the first time in the game. It was three goals in ten minutes for the Teessiders.
Boro held firm as Hibs tried to manufacture an opening but created nothing more than long distance pot-shots at Turnbull.
Boro: Turnbull; Young (Williams 70), Wheater, Huth, Grounds; Aliadiere, O'Neil (Walker 77), Arca (Capt) (Digard 29), Downing (Bennett 70); Tuncay (Johnson 63), Mido (Alves 63). Unused subs: Steele (gk).
Hibernian: McNeil; Van Zanten, Murray, Hogg, Jones (Capt) (Canning 82), Thicot, Keenan (Morais 73), Shiels (Chisolm 73), Fletcher, Nish, O'Brien (Trialist 46). Unused subs: Grof (gk); Stevenson, Campbell.
Referee: William Collum
Bookings
Boro: Grounds 58, Digard 90.
Attendance: 6,325
Conditions: Overcast with sunny spells and a light breeze
Website Man of the Match: Gary O'Neil
