Wimbledon 0 Boro 0

Last updated : 08 January 2002 By Reggie Holdsworth
With Alen Boksic and Carlos Marinelli missing Steve McClaren opted for a wing-back system, bringing in Jason Gavin alongside Gareth Southgate and Gianluca Festa. Franck Queudrue and Robbie Stockdale filled the wing-back berths.

In midfield captain Paul Ince had Jonathan Greening and Robbie Mustoe for company, while Hamilton Ricard and Noel Whelan continued upfront.

Jason Gavin clears from Darren Holloway
Boro had the pick of the chances in the first half-hour, winning a number of corners in quick succession but they failed to make them count. Gareth Southgate missed the best opportunity, firing over from six yards.

Wimbledon had a chance through David Connolly but he was dispossessed on the edge of the box, this after Gianluca Festa had been caught in possession wide on the right.

Boro had a great let-off on the half-hour when a 20 yard drive from Kevin Cooper was deflected onto the post and out for a corner.

The chance encouraged Wimbledon who went close again before the break.

Michael Hughes could have done better with a volley from outside the box but Mark Crossley was happy to see the ball sail over the bar. Then Neil Shipperley fired over from close range after being played in by Neal Ardley.

Steve McClaren reverted to a 4-4-2 system for the second half, bringing on Phil Stamp for Jason Gavin.

Stamp almost made a grand entrance but he and Noel Whelan got in each other’s way as they missed a Jonathan Greening cross from the left.

The second half was been played at a faster tempo but there were still few chances from both sides. Dean Windass replaced Whelan with just over an hour gone.

Hamilton Ricard chased a long kick from Crossley and almost lobbed the keeper with a header from the edge of the box but Ian Feuer managed to gather it.

Wimbledon almost gave Boro the lead when Feuer and Trond Andersen failed to communicate as Andersen’s back header beat Feuer, but fortunately for Wimbledon it went the wrong side of the post.

From the corner Boro should have won the game, Festa connected with the ball but Feuer reacted and pushed the ball onto the bar, Ricard then headed the rebound over the bar from less than six yards.

History had repeated itself for the fourth time, another 0-0 draw, all set up for a Boro victory in the replay at the Riverside.

The replay is next Tuesday the 15th January, kick-off 7.45.