Sparta Rotterdam 1 Boro 6

BORO went goal crazy in Rotterdam, recovering from an early goal conceded to win 6-1 at the Het Kasteel Stadium in their final friendly, writes MIKE McGEARY.

Gareth Southgate selected a 4-4-2 formation, with Afonso Alves and Tuncay up front, Ross Turnbull getting the nod in goal and Josh Walker alongside Didier Digard in central midfield.

In the absence of several senior players Stewart Downing was given the honour of captaining his hometown club for the first time.

Around 150 Boro fans had made the journey over the North Sea for the game against new signing Marvin Emnes' former club. 

But they saw Boro's defence carved open in just the second minute as Arnold Slot capitalised on slack work at the back and beat Turnbull to open the scoring, there was nothing Turnbull could do to prevent a fine finish.

However, the scores were level three minutes later as Afonso Alves latched onto a superb through ball from Digard and sent former Portsmouth goalkeeper Harald Wapenaar the wrong way with a typically clinical finish.

On eight minutes Boro cruised into the lead after Josh Walker won a header and Tuncay dribbled past two defenders before waiting for support and rolling a superb pass into Jeremie Aliadiere who finished well.

Boro continued to dominate and Downing was next to provide a goal on 13 minutes, pulling the ball back for the impressive Josh Walker to drill the ball home.

And it was four with Boro's next attack two minutes later as Aliadiere dispossessed left-back Poepon and Afonso Alves beat the keeper with an audacious chip. 

Digard continued his impressive pre-season form as he demonstrated a wonderful range of passing and Downing was only denied a goal by a narrow offside decision after good work from the French U21 skipper.

But shortly after the half hour mark Stewart Downing did make it five after Alves turned provider and the England winger produced a fine finish.

Downing continued to thrive, torturing the Dutch defence and pulling off a delightful nutmeg as Boro attacked at will.

Half-time: Sparta 1 Boro 5

Boro made just a single change at the interval, Southgate continuing to keep supporters guessing over his choice of keeper for next Saturday's Spurs game as Brad Jones replaced Turnbull in goal. 

The pick of a fine bunch of Boro goals came shortly after the restart as Wales U21 defender Rhys Williams, standing in at right-back following Luke Young's departure, smashed in an absolute cracker.

The Perth-born player glided past two challenges before unleashing a left-footed shot from all of 25 yards that left Wapenaar helpless.

Jones needed to be alert to punch away a rare Sparta effort before good work from Walker cleared further danger as Joshua John threatened.

Sparta's reigning Player of the Year Marvin Emnes received a warm reception as he replaced Aliadiere midway through the second half. 

After showing how well he can attack, Williams demonstrated his abilities in defence as he was strong in the challenge to deny the pacey John.

Boro made further changes as Adam Johnson and Tony McMahon were introduced to the proceedings.

There was a scare for Boro as Tuncay received a nasty kick on the Achilles and although he was able to continue after treatment, he was replaced by Graeme Owens shortly afterwards.

Boro continued to press until the final stages with the crowd silenced and Owens almost produced a carbon copy of the Alves chip but his effort drifted just over the bar. 

Sparta Rotterdam: Wapenaar, Vermes, Poepon, Slot, Dissels, Jaggy, Touzani, John, Ngalula (Falkenburg 46), Ritjes, Wilusz. Subs: Varkevisser, Van Bueren, Rose, Duplan, Toet, Freire, Godee.

Boro: Turnbull (Jones 46), Williams (McMahon), Taylor, Walker (Johnson A), Huth, Wheater, Aliadiere (Emnes 67), Digard, Alves, Tuncay (Owens), Downing (Capt). Subs not used: Grounds, Bennett.

Referee: Mr Luinge.

Website Man of the Match: Didier Digard