Taylor ruins Grahams return to Boro

Last updated : 19 March 2011 By Northern Echo

ANDREW TAYLOR scored the second goal of his career to help Middlesbrough claim a crucial win over a Watford team that he actually scored for earlier this season.

The versatile Hartlepool-born left-midfielder, who operated as a full-back during a three-month loan at the Hornets, was on hand to power the decisive winner on the stroke of half-time.

Taylor's first goal for Boro, the club he has spent more than a decade with, was the match-winner after Middlesbrough had had to come from behind to win.

Predictably Danny Graham, a former team-mate of Taylor at both clubs, hit the opener in the 28th minute with the 25th goal of a productive campaign.

But Aussie Scott McDonald's ninth of the season pulled Middlesbrough deservedly level five minutes later to provide Taylor with the platform to add a second.

Scouts have regularly been flocking to the Riverside this season to run the rule over the best of Boro's homegrown talents, but those there yesterday were given another reminder of Graham's ability.

When Don Cowie picked him out inside the Middlesbrough box there was still plenty to do. But he turned on to his right foot, leaving Rhys Williams in his wake, before slotting low inside goalkeeper Paul Smith's far post.

But it did not take long for Middlesbrough to level. Five minutes after the opener they hit back when McDonald coasted in to turn Barry Robson's cross high above goalkeeper Scott Loach.

And then, with Middlesbrough enjoying the better possession, Taylor struck on the stroke of half-time.

This time Robson's shot was parried in to the path of Taylor by Loach and the Middlesbrough left-midfielder slid in to power over the line.

Middlesbrough, who had picked up four points from their previous two matches, continued to look the stronger in the second half.

Young left-back Joe Bennett, called up for his first England Under-21s duty this week, was a regular presence down the flank and he went close with a rasping delivery on the hour.

He was also denied by a flying save from Loach in injury-time after Watford had Adrian Mariappa red carded for a second yellow card late on for pulling down Marvin Emnes.

And when Watford boss Mackay saw red himself for interfering with the ball in the late stages, salt had firmly been rubbed in to Watford's wounds.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Smith, McMahon, Williams, Grounds, Bennett; Robson, Bailey, Arca (McManus 84), A Taylor; Emnes, McDonald (Zemmama? 88). Subs: Ripley (gk), Haas, Kink, Tavares, Smallwood.

WATFORD (4-4-2): Loach; Thompson (Bennett 46), Mariappa, M Taylor, Hodson; Cowie, Eustace, Jenkins, Buckley (Sordell 68); Graham, Deeney (Weimann 79). Subs: Gilmartin (gk), Mingola, Whichelow, Smith.

Source: Northern Echo

Source: Northern Echo