This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2015/may/25/middlesborough-norwich-championship-play-off-final-live
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 3 | Version 4 |
|---|---|
| Middlesborough v Norwich: Championship play-off final – live! | Middlesborough v Norwich: Championship play-off final – live! |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 4.57pm BST16:57 | |
| Peep! Peep! Peep!!!!!!!! It’s all over. Norwich have beaten Middlesbrough 2-0 in the Championship play-off final and will return to the PRemier League next season. Having been thoroughly outclassed on the day, Middlesbrough will spend next season in the Championship. Commiserations to them, but they can have no complaints - Norwich were worthy winners this afternoon. | |
| 4.55pm BST16:55 | |
| 90+3 min: Boro punt the ball forward again, Norwich clear again. Jonny Howson and Lewis Grabban go a meandering up the field, holding possession rather than advancing on goal with any great purpose. | |
| 4.54pm BST16:54 | |
| 90+2 min: Middlesbrough struggle to play the ball out of their own half under relentless pressing from Norwich City. Eventually they go for broke and lump it forward, which is exactly what their opponents want them to do. John Ruddy collects. | |
| 4.52pm BST16:52 | |
| 89 min: The camera cuts from a group of deliriously excited Norwich City fans, to a group of their exceptionally glum counterparts from Teesside. Their team has four minutes in which to come up with two goals and it doesn’t look like they’ll get them. | |
| 4.50pm BST16:50 | |
| 87 min: Norwich substitution: Gary O’Neil on, Nathan Redmond on. The Norwich City midfielder is a two-times Championship play-off final winner with West Ham and QPR. It looks like he’ll notch the hat-trick today. | |
| 4.49pm BST16:49 | |
| 86 min: A cross from deep is kept in play by Patrick Bamford at the far post, who immediately clutches his ankle. He’s quite clearly not fiut enough to playing in this game and Aitor Karanka’s insistence in persevering with him is baffling. Still, he knows better than I do, so presumably there’s method to his apparent madness. | |
| 4.46pm BST16:46 | |
| 84 min: Weary, disheartened Boro trudge forward again, down the right wing until they run out of options and the ball is played square to Adam Clayton, who is faced with two banks of men in green and gold. He surveys his options, then plays the ball backwards ... | |
| 4.43pm BST16:43 | |
| 81 min: Middlesbrough win a corner after good work from Patrick Bamford. Bassong clears at the near post and Boro have another. The ball’s sent into the mixer again, where Daniel Ayala’s free header from seven or eight yards is blocked by Lewis Grabban. Ayala was completely unmarked and should have scored there. | |
| 4.42pm BST16:42 | |
| 80 min: George Friend slaloms down the left flank, cuts inside and plays the ball across the Norwich City penalty area. There are roars of “handball!” as the ball strikes a defender, before City embark on a counter-attack. Nothing comes of it. | |
| 4.40pm BST16:40 | |
| 78 min: Norwich win a free-kickabout five yards outside the Boro penalty area, left of centre. Redmond and Dorrans stand over it, but it’s the former who strikes the ball. He attempts to curl it over the wall and inside the upright, but his reasonably decent effort fizzes high and wide. | |
| 4.39pm BST16:39 | |
| 76 min: With just 15 minutes left in which to score two goals, there remains a distinct lack of urgency about the manner in which Middlesbrough’s players are going about their business. Considering Norwich scored their two in the space of three minutes, there’s no real need for Boro to start throwing the kitchen sink around yet, but their poor supporters must be traumatised. | |
| 4.36pm BST16:36 | |
| 74 min: Norwich substitutions: Cameron Jerome off after an outstanding performance, Lewis Grabban on. Wes Hoolahan off, Graham Dorrans on Hoolahan’s done nothing wrong, but Dorrans will help the Canaries shut up their cage. | |
| Updated at 4.36pm BST | |
| 4.34pm BST16:34 | |
| 72 min: Boro attempt to build from the back, with Norwich’s pressing and harrying conspicuously less frenetic now that their players have 70 minutes and several kilometres apiece on the clock. The ball finds its way to Albert Adomah on the right, but Norwich stand firm. | |
| 4.32pm BST16:32 | |
| 70 min: Kike crosses the ball into the Middlesbrough penalty area for Patrick Bamford, who is caught flat-footed and second to the ball. Norwich City clear their lines again. | |
| 4.31pm BST16:31 | |
| 68 min: From the corner, Russell Martin heads over the bar while Dimi Konstantopolous was being held by Jonny Howson. Goal-kick - it seems the goal would have stood if the header had been on target. | |
| Updated at 4.47pm BST | |
| 4.29pm BST16:29 | |
| 67 min: More industrious work from Jerome earns another corner for Norwich. He’s been immense today. Immense. Middlesbrough substitution: Kike on, Jelle Vossen off. | |
| 4.28pm BST16:28 | |
| 66 min: The clock ticks relentlessly on, with each passing minute another a little poison dart in the hopes and dreams of Middlesbrough fans. They’ve played a lot more impressively in this second half than they did in the first, but Norwich’s defence is holding firm. | |
| Updated at 4.28pm BST | |
| 4.26pm BST16:26 | |
| 65 min: Steven Whittaker picks up the ball in midfield, takes it around Patrick Bamford with ease and then wastes possession with a poor attempt at a cross. | |
| 4.25pm BST16:25 | |
| 63 min: Johnny Howson gets booked for a nip on the ankles of Lee Tomlin, who was attempting to turn in a dangerous area. He’s taken one for the team there, has Mr Howson. | |
| 4.23pm BST16:23 | 4.23pm BST16:23 |
| 62 min: More good play from Cameron Jerome, who uses his power to beat one man and advance on the Boro penalty area. Ben Gibson takes the ball of his toe to avert the danger for Boro. | 62 min: More good play from Cameron Jerome, who uses his power to beat one man and advance on the Boro penalty area. Ben Gibson takes the ball of his toe to avert the danger for Boro. |
| Updated at 4.40pm BST | |
| 4.22pm BST16:22 | 4.22pm BST16:22 |
| 60 min: Ben Gibson makes a pig’s ear of dealing with a long ball coming his way and concedes a corner: Norwich’s first of the afternoon. Nothing comes of it. On the sideline, Graham Dorrans is preparing to come on for Norwich. | 60 min: Ben Gibson makes a pig’s ear of dealing with a long ball coming his way and concedes a corner: Norwich’s first of the afternoon. Nothing comes of it. On the sideline, Graham Dorrans is preparing to come on for Norwich. |
| 4.21pm BST16:21 | 4.21pm BST16:21 |
| 59 min: Lee Tomlin picks out Patrick Bamford on the edge of the NOrwich penalty area with a delightful short diagonal pass. The Chelsea loanee turns and shoots in one movement, but fails to get much power on his shot, which fails to trouble John Ruddy. | 59 min: Lee Tomlin picks out Patrick Bamford on the edge of the NOrwich penalty area with a delightful short diagonal pass. The Chelsea loanee turns and shoots in one movement, but fails to get much power on his shot, which fails to trouble John Ruddy. |
| 4.20pm BST16:20 | 4.20pm BST16:20 |
| 57 min: Adomah is looking lively for Boro in this second half and attempts to send another cross into the Norwich penalty area. Sebastien Bassong blocks and Norwich clear their lines again, but at least Boro’s fans have some reasons for optimism where previously there were few or none. | 57 min: Adomah is looking lively for Boro in this second half and attempts to send another cross into the Norwich penalty area. Sebastien Bassong blocks and Norwich clear their lines again, but at least Boro’s fans have some reasons for optimism where previously there were few or none. |
| 4.18pm BST16:18 | 4.18pm BST16:18 |
| 55 min: Admoah pelts down the right touchline for Boro and drives in a cross. Having won possession and advanced into the penalty area from the left flank, Jelle Vossen throws himself to the ground under pressure from Wes Hoolahan and gets booked for diving. Despite Vossen’s protestations, replays suggest Mike Dean’s decision to brandish his yellow card was 100% correct. | 55 min: Admoah pelts down the right touchline for Boro and drives in a cross. Having won possession and advanced into the penalty area from the left flank, Jelle Vossen throws himself to the ground under pressure from Wes Hoolahan and gets booked for diving. Despite Vossen’s protestations, replays suggest Mike Dean’s decision to brandish his yellow card was 100% correct. |
| Updated at 4.19pm BST | Updated at 4.19pm BST |
| 4.16pm BST16:16 | 4.16pm BST16:16 |
| 54 min: From Leadbitter’s corner, Bassong and Daniel Ayala rise to contest the header. The ball goes out off the Norwich City player, but his team win the goal-kick anyway. Ayala complains, but Mike Dean is not for turning. | 54 min: From Leadbitter’s corner, Bassong and Daniel Ayala rise to contest the header. The ball goes out off the Norwich City player, but his team win the goal-kick anyway. Ayala complains, but Mike Dean is not for turning. |
| 4.15pm BST16:15 | 4.15pm BST16:15 |
| 53 min: Clayton, Nsue and Adomah combine down the right for Boro. The ball’s played into Lee Tomlin, who picks out George Friend in the penalty area. His attempted cross is put out for a corner. | 53 min: Clayton, Nsue and Adomah combine down the right for Boro. The ball’s played into Lee Tomlin, who picks out George Friend in the penalty area. His attempted cross is put out for a corner. |
| Updated at 4.24pm BST | Updated at 4.24pm BST |
| 4.13pm BST16:13 | 4.13pm BST16:13 |
| 51 min: Under pressure from Cameron Jerome, Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopolous is forced to lump the ball forward, conceding possession to Norwich City in the process. That’s excellent play from the NOrwich striker, who has worked tirelessly for his team this afternoon. HOw long he’ll be able to keep it up remains to be seen, he’s holding the back of one leg and limping a bit after appearing to pick up a hamstring strain. | 51 min: Under pressure from Cameron Jerome, Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopolous is forced to lump the ball forward, conceding possession to Norwich City in the process. That’s excellent play from the NOrwich striker, who has worked tirelessly for his team this afternoon. HOw long he’ll be able to keep it up remains to be seen, he’s holding the back of one leg and limping a bit after appearing to pick up a hamstring strain. |
| 4.11pm BST16:11 | 4.11pm BST16:11 |
| 50 min: Good play from Boro, who win a corner after Bassong is forced to turn a low Albert Adomah cross out for a corner. Daniel Ayala is unable to keep his header on the subsequent outswinger down and puts the ball over the bar. | 50 min: Good play from Boro, who win a corner after Bassong is forced to turn a low Albert Adomah cross out for a corner. Daniel Ayala is unable to keep his header on the subsequent outswinger down and puts the ball over the bar. |
| 4.10pm BST16:10 | 4.10pm BST16:10 |
| 47 min: There’s a pause in play as Bradley Johnson gets treatment after shipping a blow to the back of his head while contesting a high ball. He’s fit to continue and play resumes with Dimi Konstantopolous roilling the ball out to Emilio Ensue, who belts it up the field. Sebastien Bassong wins the header for Norwich. | 47 min: There’s a pause in play as Bradley Johnson gets treatment after shipping a blow to the back of his head while contesting a high ball. He’s fit to continue and play resumes with Dimi Konstantopolous roilling the ball out to Emilio Ensue, who belts it up the field. Sebastien Bassong wins the header for Norwich. |
| Updated at 4.10pm BST | Updated at 4.10pm BST |
| 4.08pm BST16:08 | 4.08pm BST16:08 |
| 46 min: Wes Hoolahan outmuscles a defender to unleash a shot from the edge of the penalty area after wrapping his left foot around a bouncing ball. I say “unleash”, but he didn’t really get a hold of it - the ball bounces harmlessly wide of the upright. | 46 min: Wes Hoolahan outmuscles a defender to unleash a shot from the edge of the penalty area after wrapping his left foot around a bouncing ball. I say “unleash”, but he didn’t really get a hold of it - the ball bounces harmlessly wide of the upright. |
| 4.07pm BST16:07 | 4.07pm BST16:07 |
| Second half: Middlesbrough 0-2 Norwich City | Second half: Middlesbrough 0-2 Norwich City |
| Boro get the ball rolling, with just 45 minutes to find the two goals by which they trail. They’ve made one change: Emilio Nsue on for Dean Whitehead at right-back. That’s one makeshift right-back for another. | Boro get the ball rolling, with just 45 minutes to find the two goals by which they trail. They’ve made one change: Emilio Nsue on for Dean Whitehead at right-back. That’s one makeshift right-back for another. |
| 4.05pm BST16:05 | 4.05pm BST16:05 |
| So long Billo #okeydoke | So long Billo #okeydoke |
| Irish sport is paying its respect to a broadcasting legend this afternoon http://t.co/M4pLNuexvu pic.twitter.com/NMtzydJr6m | Irish sport is paying its respect to a broadcasting legend this afternoon http://t.co/M4pLNuexvu pic.twitter.com/NMtzydJr6m |
| 4.00pm BST16:00 | 4.00pm BST16:00 |
| Harry Redknapp speaks: “They’ve gotta change how they play,” says the Sky pundit of Middlesbrough. “They’ve got to get Tomlin in the game.” He’s not wrong. They also need to get their midfield duo of Clayton and Leadbitter, who are being completely over-run, into the game and could do with perhaps getting an honest appraisal of Patrick Bamford’s fitness from the man himself, as he looks to be struggling badly after coming into this match carrying a knock. Surely a fit Kike is worth more to the team than an unfit Bamford? | Harry Redknapp speaks: “They’ve gotta change how they play,” says the Sky pundit of Middlesbrough. “They’ve got to get Tomlin in the game.” He’s not wrong. They also need to get their midfield duo of Clayton and Leadbitter, who are being completely over-run, into the game and could do with perhaps getting an honest appraisal of Patrick Bamford’s fitness from the man himself, as he looks to be struggling badly after coming into this match carrying a knock. Surely a fit Kike is worth more to the team than an unfit Bamford? |
| 3.53pm BST15:53 | 3.53pm BST15:53 |
| Half-time at Wembley: Middlesbrough 0-2 Norwich City | Half-time at Wembley: Middlesbrough 0-2 Norwich City |
| Norwich City go in at the break having dominated a first half in which they created four decent chances in as many minutes and scored two of them, courtesy of Cameron Jerome and Nathan Redmond. Middlesbrough could have opened the scoring with a shot off the crossbar from George Friend, but have been otherwise far from their best. Aitor Karanka has a big job on his hands at half-time, while his opposite number Alex Neil will need to convince his players that this match is far from over as a contest ... yet. | Norwich City go in at the break having dominated a first half in which they created four decent chances in as many minutes and scored two of them, courtesy of Cameron Jerome and Nathan Redmond. Middlesbrough could have opened the scoring with a shot off the crossbar from George Friend, but have been otherwise far from their best. Aitor Karanka has a big job on his hands at half-time, while his opposite number Alex Neil will need to convince his players that this match is far from over as a contest ... yet. |
| Updated at 3.58pm BST | Updated at 3.58pm BST |
| 3.50pm BST15:50 | 3.50pm BST15:50 |
| 45 min: We’re into the first of two minutes of added time as Boro continue their search for a goal. They’re playing very poorly and are capable of a lot better than this. | 45 min: We’re into the first of two minutes of added time as Boro continue their search for a goal. They’re playing very poorly and are capable of a lot better than this. |
| Updated at 3.56pm BST | Updated at 3.56pm BST |
| 3.48pm BST15:48 | 3.48pm BST15:48 |
| 43 min: Russell Martin gets penalised for a foul on Lee Tomlin. Referee Mike Dean summons him for a talking-to, but keeps his yellow card in his pocket. From the ensuing free-kick, Grant Leadbitter plays the ball into the Norwich penalty area, where Alex Tetty is on hand to head clear. | 43 min: Russell Martin gets penalised for a foul on Lee Tomlin. Referee Mike Dean summons him for a talking-to, but keeps his yellow card in his pocket. From the ensuing free-kick, Grant Leadbitter plays the ball into the Norwich penalty area, where Alex Tetty is on hand to head clear. |
| 3.46pm BST15:46 | 3.46pm BST15:46 |
| 42 min: Now George Friend attempts to pick out Bamford, but the pair get their wires crossed and the ball trickles harmlessly wide. | 42 min: Now George Friend attempts to pick out Bamford, but the pair get their wires crossed and the ball trickles harmlessly wide. |
| 3.45pm BST15:45 | 3.45pm BST15:45 |
| 41 min: Middlesbrough hoof the ball the length of the vast expanse of greenery that separates their striker Patrick Bamford from the rest of his team-mates. Russell Martin and Sebastien Bassong clear easily, as you’d expect from two experienced central defenders marking a loan striker who’s cutting an increasingly isolated and forlorn figure. | 41 min: Middlesbrough hoof the ball the length of the vast expanse of greenery that separates their striker Patrick Bamford from the rest of his team-mates. Russell Martin and Sebastien Bassong clear easily, as you’d expect from two experienced central defenders marking a loan striker who’s cutting an increasingly isolated and forlorn figure. |
| Updated at 3.48pm BST | Updated at 3.48pm BST |
| 3.44pm BST15:44 | 3.44pm BST15:44 |
| 40 min: Russell Martin pings the ball down the right flank for Norwich City, aiming for Nathan Redmond. The winger plays the ball inside towards Bradley Johnson, who finds himself outnumbered and loses possession. | 40 min: Russell Martin pings the ball down the right flank for Norwich City, aiming for Nathan Redmond. The winger plays the ball inside towards Bradley Johnson, who finds himself outnumbered and loses possession. |
| 3.42pm BST15:42 | 3.42pm BST15:42 |
| 38 min: Having been under the cosh for a few minutes, Norwich resume position and start pinging the ball around amongst themselves inside the Boro half, enjoying a period of sustained possession that has their supporters ole-ing to their hearts’ content. | 38 min: Having been under the cosh for a few minutes, Norwich resume position and start pinging the ball around amongst themselves inside the Boro half, enjoying a period of sustained possession that has their supporters ole-ing to their hearts’ content. |
| 3.40pm BST15:40 | 3.40pm BST15:40 |
| 37 min: George Friend wins another corner for Boro. Leadbitter whips the ball in to the area, where Steven Whittaker heads the ball out for another corner. Nothing comes of it and Norwich have a goal kick. | 37 min: George Friend wins another corner for Boro. Leadbitter whips the ball in to the area, where Steven Whittaker heads the ball out for another corner. Nothing comes of it and Norwich have a goal kick. |
| 3.38pm BST15:38 | 3.38pm BST15:38 |
| 35 min: Sebastien Bassong gets penalised for handball in the Norwich City right-back position. Grant Leadbitter swings the ball into the penalty area, where John Ruddy punches clear. | 35 min: Sebastien Bassong gets penalised for handball in the Norwich City right-back position. Grant Leadbitter swings the ball into the penalty area, where John Ruddy punches clear. |
| 3.37pm BST15:37 | 3.37pm BST15:37 |
| 33 min: In the battle of the centre-forwards, Cameron Jerome is winning comfortably. He may not have the natural talent of his opposite number Patrick Bamford, but he’s already got a goal to his name and is working tirelessly as Norwich’s first line of defence, pressing, tracking back and getting stuck into the tackle. Bamford, by contrast, has done little or nothing thus far. | 33 min: In the battle of the centre-forwards, Cameron Jerome is winning comfortably. He may not have the natural talent of his opposite number Patrick Bamford, but he’s already got a goal to his name and is working tirelessly as Norwich’s first line of defence, pressing, tracking back and getting stuck into the tackle. Bamford, by contrast, has done little or nothing thus far. |
| 3.34pm BST15:34 | 3.34pm BST15:34 |
| 30 min: Albert Adomah runs in behind Boro left-back Martin Olsson to get on the end of pass down the left and hook it across the face of goal, where Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy gathers comfortably with the help of Sebastien Bassong. Good work from the right-winger, who is being double-marked any time the ball comes near him. He slipped his security detail on that occasion. | 30 min: Albert Adomah runs in behind Boro left-back Martin Olsson to get on the end of pass down the left and hook it across the face of goal, where Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy gathers comfortably with the help of Sebastien Bassong. Good work from the right-winger, who is being double-marked any time the ball comes near him. He slipped his security detail on that occasion. |
| Updated at 3.35pm BST | Updated at 3.35pm BST |
| 3.33pm BST15:33 | 3.33pm BST15:33 |
| 29 min: The camera cuts to Delia Smith, whose visage appears on the giant Wembley scoreboard to cheers from the Norwich City fans. | 29 min: The camera cuts to Delia Smith, whose visage appears on the giant Wembley scoreboard to cheers from the Norwich City fans. |
| 3.31pm BST15:31 | 3.31pm BST15:31 |
| 28 min: Boro win a free-kick some way outside the Norwich penalty area, well left of centre. Leadbitter whips the ball towards the far post, where John Ruddy allows it to bounce wide. Leadbitter promptly berates his team-mates for failing to get in position to attack what was a decent dead ball delivery on his part. | 28 min: Boro win a free-kick some way outside the Norwich penalty area, well left of centre. Leadbitter whips the ball towards the far post, where John Ruddy allows it to bounce wide. Leadbitter promptly berates his team-mates for failing to get in position to attack what was a decent dead ball delivery on his part. |
| 3.30pm BST15:30 | 3.30pm BST15:30 |
| 27 min: Correction: Jelle Vossen was there to try and capitalise, but his weak header failed to trouble John Rddy in the Norwich goal. | 27 min: Correction: Jelle Vossen was there to try and capitalise, but his weak header failed to trouble John Rddy in the Norwich goal. |
| 3.29pm BST15:29 | 3.29pm BST15:29 |
| 26 min: George Friend whips the ball across the face of the Norwich City goal, but there’s nobody there to capitalise. | 26 min: George Friend whips the ball across the face of the Norwich City goal, but there’s nobody there to capitalise. |
| 3.28pm BST15:28 | 3.28pm BST15:28 |
| 25 min: Steven Whittaker clears the ball down the right flank, but only as far as George Friend. Middlesbrough set off on another sortie into Norwich territory courtesy of Albert Adomah. | 25 min: Steven Whittaker clears the ball down the right flank, but only as far as George Friend. Middlesbrough set off on another sortie into Norwich territory courtesy of Albert Adomah. |
| 3.26pm BST15:26 | 3.26pm BST15:26 |
| 23 min: Leadbitter’s delivery is poor and fails to clear the first man. The corner is cleared at the near post. | 23 min: Leadbitter’s delivery is poor and fails to clear the first man. The corner is cleared at the near post. |
| 3.25pm BST15:25 | 3.25pm BST15:25 |
| 22 min: Corner for Middlesbrough, which Grant Leadbitter will take. | 22 min: Corner for Middlesbrough, which Grant Leadbitter will take. |
| 3.24pm BST15:24 | 3.24pm BST15:24 |
| 20 min: Redmond stands the ball up at the far post, but with Dimi Konstantopolous out of the equation, Cameron Jerome is unable to reach it. Good defending from George Friend. Norwich are in danger of running amok here, unless Boro can regroup and settle into this match. Patrick Bamford hasn’t had a sniff of the ball yet and even more ominously for Middlesbrough ... neither has Wes Hoolahan, the creative force behind the side that is already two up. | 20 min: Redmond stands the ball up at the far post, but with Dimi Konstantopolous out of the equation, Cameron Jerome is unable to reach it. Good defending from George Friend. Norwich are in danger of running amok here, unless Boro can regroup and settle into this match. Patrick Bamford hasn’t had a sniff of the ball yet and even more ominously for Middlesbrough ... neither has Wes Hoolahan, the creative force behind the side that is already two up. |
| 3.21pm BST15:21 | 3.21pm BST15:21 |
| 17 min: That was a splendid goal by Norwich City. Whittaker and Redmond went a rampaging down the right flank, with the latter sprinting inside towards the penalty area to pick up the cross from his team-mate. His first touch was wonderful and his shot from approximately 14 yards nigh on unstoppable. With less than 20 minutes gone, Middlesbrough are already on the ropes. | 17 min: That was a splendid goal by Norwich City. Whittaker and Redmond went a rampaging down the right flank, with the latter sprinting inside towards the penalty area to pick up the cross from his team-mate. His first touch was wonderful and his shot from approximately 14 yards nigh on unstoppable. With less than 20 minutes gone, Middlesbrough are already on the ropes. |
| 3.19pm BST15:19 | 3.19pm BST15:19 |
| GOAL! Middlesbrough 0-2 Norwich City (Redmond 15) | GOAL! Middlesbrough 0-2 Norwich City (Redmond 15) |
| 15 min: Good lord, they’ve only gone and scored again. From the right flank, Steven Whittaker picks out Nathan Redmond in the penalty area and with a brilliant first touch, the midfielder takes Ben Gibson out of the game and gives himself a yard in which to shoot. Boom! Konstantopolous had no chance. | 15 min: Good lord, they’ve only gone and scored again. From the right flank, Steven Whittaker picks out Nathan Redmond in the penalty area and with a brilliant first touch, the midfielder takes Ben Gibson out of the game and gives himself a yard in which to shoot. Boom! Konstantopolous had no chance. |
| Updated at 3.45pm BST | Updated at 3.45pm BST |
| 3.17pm BST15:17 | 3.17pm BST15:17 |
| 14 min: With less than 15 minutes gone, we’ve already seen one goal, as well as two shots hitting the woodwork. So much for this being cagey, tense and nervy, eh? | 14 min: With less than 15 minutes gone, we’ve already seen one goal, as well as two shots hitting the woodwork. So much for this being cagey, tense and nervy, eh? |
| 3.16pm BST15:16 | 3.16pm BST15:16 |
| GOAL! Middlesbrough 0-1 Norwich (Jerome 12) | GOAL! Middlesbrough 0-1 Norwich (Jerome 12) |
| 13 min: Norwich take the lead. Daniel Ayala gets dispossessed by Cameron Jerome on the right side of his own penalty area. The striker advances towards goal and beats Dimi Konstantopolous at his near post with a low diagonal effort. Desperate defending and poor goalkeeping - the Canaries take first blood. | 13 min: Norwich take the lead. Daniel Ayala gets dispossessed by Cameron Jerome on the right side of his own penalty area. The striker advances towards goal and beats Dimi Konstantopolous at his near post with a low diagonal effort. Desperate defending and poor goalkeeping - the Canaries take first blood. |
| Updated at 3.22pm BST | Updated at 3.22pm BST |
| 3.14pm BST15:14 | 3.14pm BST15:14 |
| 11 min: Oof! Now Middlesbrough hit the woodwork, with Jelle Vossen, my bet for first goalscorer, crashing a shot from distance off the crossbar. | 11 min: Oof! Now Middlesbrough hit the woodwork, with Jelle Vossen, my bet for first goalscorer, crashing a shot from distance off the crossbar. |
| 3.13pm BST15:13 | 3.13pm BST15:13 |
| 10 min: Norwich City miss the first and second chances of note in quick succession. Cameron Jerome should have done better after getting between defenders, only to miss a cross from the right completely. Following up, Bradley Johnson rattles the Boro crossbar with a rasping shot from distance. | 10 min: Norwich City miss the first and second chances of note in quick succession. Cameron Jerome should have done better after getting between defenders, only to miss a cross from the right completely. Following up, Bradley Johnson rattles the Boro crossbar with a rasping shot from distance. |
| 3.11pm BST15:11 | 3.11pm BST15:11 |
| 8 min: Nathan Redmond sends another cross into the Boro penalty area, but Dean Whitehead does well to prevent Jerome getting on the end of it. | 8 min: Nathan Redmond sends another cross into the Boro penalty area, but Dean Whitehead does well to prevent Jerome getting on the end of it. |
| 3.10pm BST15:10 | 3.10pm BST15:10 |
| 7 min: Nothing in the way of goal chances so far, but the game’s got off to a lively, if raggedy start. Tettey, Hoolahan and Jerome are putting the Boro back four under pressure whenever they find themselves with the ball. | 7 min: Nothing in the way of goal chances so far, but the game’s got off to a lively, if raggedy start. Tettey, Hoolahan and Jerome are putting the Boro back four under pressure whenever they find themselves with the ball. |
| 3.09pm BST15:09 | 3.09pm BST15:09 |
| 4 min: Both sides have lined up with similar formations, with two holding midfielders between their respective back fours and their three attacking midfielders. Both managers have gone for lone strikers. In Patrick Bamford, Middlesbrough have gone for a lone loan striker. | 4 min: Both sides have lined up with similar formations, with two holding midfielders between their respective back fours and their three attacking midfielders. Both managers have gone for lone strikers. In Patrick Bamford, Middlesbrough have gone for a lone loan striker. |
| 3.07pm BST15:07 | 3.07pm BST15:07 |
| 3 min: Nathan Redmond floats a cross into the Boro penalty for Bradley Johnson to head, but it’s a might too high. Boro clear their lines. | 3 min: Nathan Redmond floats a cross into the Boro penalty for Bradley Johnson to head, but it’s a might too high. Boro clear their lines. |
| 3.05pm BST15:05 | 3.05pm BST15:05 |
| 2 min: Lee Tomlin gets on the ball over on the far touchline, near the halfway line. It’s played back to his back four, who ping it around under a press from Cameron Jerome. | 2 min: Lee Tomlin gets on the ball over on the far touchline, near the halfway line. It’s played back to his back four, who ping it around under a press from Cameron Jerome. |
| 3.03pm BST15:03 | 3.03pm BST15:03 |
| 1 min: Norwich kick off and immediately hoof the ball forward. Middlesbrough return it to midfield, where PAtrick Bamford gets his first touch and is unceremoniously dispossessed by Alex Tetty. Game on! | 1 min: Norwich kick off and immediately hoof the ball forward. Middlesbrough return it to midfield, where PAtrick Bamford gets his first touch and is unceremoniously dispossessed by Alex Tetty. Game on! |
| 3.01pm BST15:01 | 3.01pm BST15:01 |
| 3.00pm BST15:00 | 3.00pm BST15:00 |
| National anthem: A lady named Hannah sings the national anthem and the players exchanged handshakes. On the face of it, Middlesbrough’s look slightly more relaxed. Fair dues to them, I’d be terrified. | National anthem: A lady named Hannah sings the national anthem and the players exchanged handshakes. On the face of it, Middlesbrough’s look slightly more relaxed. Fair dues to them, I’d be terrified. |
| 2.57pm BST14:57 | 2.57pm BST14:57 |
| Here we go then.... #Boro pic.twitter.com/M18xl3LjYp | Here we go then.... #Boro pic.twitter.com/M18xl3LjYp |
| 2.56pm BST14:56 | 2.56pm BST14:56 |
| Not long now: The teams line up in the Wembley tunnel with Middlesbrough’s players wearing red shirts with a white sash, white shorts and red socks. The players of Norwich will also wear their customary home kit of yellow and green shirts, green shorts and green and yellow socks with green trim. They march out on to the pitch and line-up for the pre-match niceties. Good luck to one and all; here’s hoping for a great game of football. | Not long now: The teams line up in the Wembley tunnel with Middlesbrough’s players wearing red shirts with a white sash, white shorts and red socks. The players of Norwich will also wear their customary home kit of yellow and green shirts, green shorts and green and yellow socks with green trim. They march out on to the pitch and line-up for the pre-match niceties. Good luck to one and all; here’s hoping for a great game of football. |
| 2.50pm BST14:50 | 2.50pm BST14:50 |
| Norwich City manager Alex Neil speaks: “Obviously we hope our players’ Premier League experience counts,” he says. “I’m going into the match with complete confidence in them and they have complete confidence in themselves. It’s fantastic.” | Norwich City manager Alex Neil speaks: “Obviously we hope our players’ Premier League experience counts,” he says. “I’m going into the match with complete confidence in them and they have complete confidence in themselves. It’s fantastic.” |
| Updated at 3.53pm BST | Updated at 3.53pm BST |
| 2.48pm BST14:48 | 2.48pm BST14:48 |
| Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka speaks: “I think everybody is excited,” he says. “It’s my first time in Wembley and I’m very pleased when I feel my crowd supporting us here and I feel my players are ready.” | Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka speaks: “I think everybody is excited,” he says. “It’s my first time in Wembley and I’m very pleased when I feel my crowd supporting us here and I feel my players are ready.” |
| 2.47pm BST14:47 | 2.47pm BST14:47 |
| Just 15 minutes until kick-off: The players of both teams have just traipsed off after their warm-ups and are back in the dressing rooms for their last-minute instructions. Wembley is jammed to the rafters, with both clubs having sold out their allocations. | Just 15 minutes until kick-off: The players of both teams have just traipsed off after their warm-ups and are back in the dressing rooms for their last-minute instructions. Wembley is jammed to the rafters, with both clubs having sold out their allocations. |
| 2.42pm BST14:42 | 2.42pm BST14:42 |
| Sky Sports pundit Peter Beagrie visits Boro’s training ground: He’s there to meet the team’s midfield duo Adam Clayton and Grant Leadbitter, who have played such a pivotal role in their side’s promotion push. Clayton is happy to admit he’s had to change his game this season, in order to do all his team-mate’s running for him. The good-humoured pair seem quietly confident ahead of the game tonight. | Sky Sports pundit Peter Beagrie visits Boro’s training ground: He’s there to meet the team’s midfield duo Adam Clayton and Grant Leadbitter, who have played such a pivotal role in their side’s promotion push. Clayton is happy to admit he’s had to change his game this season, in order to do all his team-mate’s running for him. The good-humoured pair seem quietly confident ahead of the game tonight. |
| “Their job today is to stop Hoolahan getting into those little pockets and to protect their back four,” says Harry Redknapp, who is standing pitchside at Wembley alongside Beagrie and Mark Warburton. “As a pair they’re so very effective,” says the former Brentford manager. | “Their job today is to stop Hoolahan getting into those little pockets and to protect their back four,” says Harry Redknapp, who is standing pitchside at Wembley alongside Beagrie and Mark Warburton. “As a pair they’re so very effective,” says the former Brentford manager. |
| 2.27pm BST14:27 | 2.27pm BST14:27 |
| On the subject of tense finals ... Why not while away the wait until kick-off with our brick-by-brick recreation of a certain Champions League final that took place 10 years ago. | On the subject of tense finals ... Why not while away the wait until kick-off with our brick-by-brick recreation of a certain Champions League final that took place 10 years ago. |
| 2.25pm BST14:25 | 2.25pm BST14:25 |
| 2.23pm BST14:23 | 2.23pm BST14:23 |
| 2.19pm BST14:19 | 2.19pm BST14:19 |
| Middlesbrough v Norwich City line-ups ... | Middlesbrough v Norwich City line-ups ... |
| Middlesbrough: Konstantopoulos, Whitehead, Ayala, Gibson, Friend, Clayton, Leadbitter, Adomah, Vossen, Tomlin, Bamford. Subs: Garcia, Ripley, Reach, Nsue, Amorebieta, Forshaw, Woodgate. | Middlesbrough: Konstantopoulos, Whitehead, Ayala, Gibson, Friend, Clayton, Leadbitter, Adomah, Vossen, Tomlin, Bamford. Subs: Garcia, Ripley, Reach, Nsue, Amorebieta, Forshaw, Woodgate. |
| Norwich: Ruddy, Whittaker, Martin, Bassong, Olsson, Redmond, Howson, Tettey, Johnson, Hoolahan, Jerome. | Norwich: Ruddy, Whittaker, Martin, Bassong, Olsson, Redmond, Howson, Tettey, Johnson, Hoolahan, Jerome. |
| Subs: Grabban, Hooper, Elliott Bennett, Ryan Bennett, Rudd, O’Neil, Dorrans. | Subs: Grabban, Hooper, Elliott Bennett, Ryan Bennett, Rudd, O’Neil, Dorrans. |
| Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral) | Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral) |
| 2.14pm BST14:14 | 2.14pm BST14:14 |
| TEAM NEWS: Dimi, Whitehead, Ayala, Gibson, Friend, Adomah, Leadbitter, Clayton, Tomlin, Vossen, Bamford. | TEAM NEWS: Dimi, Whitehead, Ayala, Gibson, Friend, Adomah, Leadbitter, Clayton, Tomlin, Vossen, Bamford. |
| #NCFC team vs @Boro: Ruddy; Whittaker, Martin (c), Bassong, Olsson; Redmond, Howson, Tettey, Johnson; Hoolahan; Jerome. #OurFinalStep | #NCFC team vs @Boro: Ruddy; Whittaker, Martin (c), Bassong, Olsson; Redmond, Howson, Tettey, Johnson; Hoolahan; Jerome. #OurFinalStep |
| 2.13pm BST14:13 | 2.13pm BST14:13 |
| Team news filtering through from Wembley ... | Team news filtering through from Wembley ... |
| Patrick Bamford starts up front for Middlesbrough, who also field Dean Whitehead at right-back. We’ll have the line-ups for you very shortly. | Patrick Bamford starts up front for Middlesbrough, who also field Dean Whitehead at right-back. We’ll have the line-ups for you very shortly. |
| 2.00pm BST14:00 | 2.00pm BST14:00 |
| 2.00pm BST14:00 | 2.00pm BST14:00 |
| 2.00pm BST14:00 | 2.00pm BST14:00 |
| Hello everybody ... | Hello everybody ... |
| Welcome to our minute-by-minute coverage of the Championship play-off final, the single most valuable one-off contest in world sport. Worth £120m to the winners, today’s match is being contested by Middlesbrough and Norwich, with the winners advancing to the promised land that is the Premier League, while the losers can look forward to another season of toil and graft in the Championship. | Welcome to our minute-by-minute coverage of the Championship play-off final, the single most valuable one-off contest in world sport. Worth £120m to the winners, today’s match is being contested by Middlesbrough and Norwich, with the winners advancing to the promised land that is the Premier League, while the losers can look forward to another season of toil and graft in the Championship. |
| Just one point separated Norwich and Middlesbrough in the table as they finished third and fourth respectively, but Boro could be forgiven for thinking they have the edge of their East Anglian rivals, having emerged victorious from both their league encounters this season. One suspects that’ll mean little or nothing this afternoon, however, on an unspeakably tense occasion for both sets of fans who may well be aware that the bookies can barely split the two sides when it comes to picking their idea of a likely winner. Kick-off is at 3pm (BST), but we’ll have team news and build-up an hour before that. | Just one point separated Norwich and Middlesbrough in the table as they finished third and fourth respectively, but Boro could be forgiven for thinking they have the edge of their East Anglian rivals, having emerged victorious from both their league encounters this season. One suspects that’ll mean little or nothing this afternoon, however, on an unspeakably tense occasion for both sets of fans who may well be aware that the bookies can barely split the two sides when it comes to picking their idea of a likely winner. Kick-off is at 3pm (BST), but we’ll have team news and build-up an hour before that. |