THE heroics of Middlesbrough’s Championship’s high-flyers at Manchester City in the FA Cup yesterday is one of the Teesside club’s greatest results of the Premier League era.

The fact that Aitor Karanka’s side, pushing for promotion in the second tier, could have defeated the English champions by more after a fantastic second half perhaps ranks this latest success above the rest.

How does the victory, courtesy of Patrick Bamford and Kike’s goals at the Etihad Stadium, compare to some of the others?

Middlesbrough 8 Manchester City 1, May 11, 2008

CITY were not at the same level as they are now, pushing for a third Premier League title and Champions League glory. Sven-Goran Eriksson was also set to leave after ending the campaign in ninth.

But, despite having little to play for, Gareth Southgate oversaw the biggest Premier League win by any team since 1999.

Afonso Alves (below) claimed a rare hat-trick, Stewart Downing got a brace, while Fabio Rochemback, Adam Johnson and Jeremie Aliadiere found the net. City did pull one back after Boro’s seventh through Elano.

The Northern Echo:

 

Middlesbrough 4 Steaua Bucharest 2, April 27, 2006

THIS will forever be remembered on Teesside. The Romanians might not have been the European superpower of yesteryear, but the mere fact they were in the UEFA Cup semi-final highlighted their quality.

Having lost the first leg in Bucharest, Boro conceded a further two inside the opening 23 minutes to stare defeat in the face courtesy of Nicolae Dica and Dorin Goian.

But Massimo Maccarone began the greatest of turnarounds ten minutes later. And when Mark Viduka headed in just after the hour, the Riverside sensed something special was on the cards.

Chris Riggott was the unlikely scorer of the third, tucking in a finish from seven yards, before the stage was set for Maccarone’s incredible diving header in the dying seconds earned a first major European final for the club.

Middlesbrough 4 Basel 1, April 6, 2006

THREE weeks before the drama against Steaua, Boro had sealed a place in the last four in equally dramatic fashion. When Eduardo scored for Basel in the 22nd minute, the Swiss club were on the verge of a last four spot.

But Mark Viduka got things going in the 33rd minute and he doubled his tally just before the hour. When Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink powered in a stunning drive with 12 minutes left, Boro suddenly had progress in their sights.

And Maccarone, like he did in the semi-final, was in the right place at the right time in the penalty area to hit the crucial fourth of the night in stoppage-time.

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo:

 

WINNER: Middlesbrough's Massimo Maccarone scores the fourth goal against Steaua Bucharest during the UEFA Cup semi-final second leg match at The Riverside Stadium

 

Middlesbrough 3 Chelsea 0, February 11, 2006

JOSE Mourinho’s side had lost just once in 54 games but Middlesbrough inflicted their heaviest defeat in almost four years with an incredible performance.

Boro were ahead with just 77 seconds on the clock when Fabio Rochemback shot beyond Petr Cech from 15 yards. Downing added a neat second just before half-time before Yakubu completed the win in the second half, with Middlesbrough becoming the first British team to score three past Mourinho’s Chelsea.

The Northern Echo:

CELEBRATION: Stewart Downing races away in delight after scoring Boro's second goal during the Premiership encounter between Middlesbrough and Chelsea at the Riverside Stadium

 

Middlesbrough 4 Manchester United 1, October 29, 2005

GAIZKA Mendieta set the tone for an outstanding display from start to finish from both an individual and team point of view when he struck a 30-yard stunner in the second minute.

Hasselbaink added a second after 25 minutes before Yakubu converted a penalty just before the break. The exceptional Mendieta added a fourth with 13 minutes remaining and not even the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who pulled a goal back, could spare Sir Alex Ferguson and United’s blushes.

The Northern Echo:

JUMP FOR JOY: Gaizka Mendieta leaps into the air as he celebrates scoring in the opening minutes of the match against Manchester United at the Riverside stadium

Manchester United 0 Middlesbrough 1, March 23, 2002

The Red Devils were proving unbeatable at Old Trafford so in front of a crowd of almost 68,000 a further home win was expected. It didn’t turn out that way, courtesy of a brilliant display under the guidance of Steve McClaren.

It was McClaren’s first return there to take on his mentor, Ferguson, and he got his tactics spot on to earn a memorable triumph. Benito Carbone was fantastic from start to finish and he was responsible for teeing up Alen Boksic for the first half winner.

Boro’s back five of Mark Schwarzer, Robbie Stockdale, Franck Queudrue, Ugo Ehiogu and Gareth Southgate stood firm to withstand a second half onslaught and Boro pulled off one of their finest wins.

The Northern Echo:

CLENCHED FIST:  Paul Ince (left), Benito Carbone (centre) and Robbie Mustoe (right) celebrate after winning against Manchester United in their FA Barclaycard Premiership match at Man Utd's Old Trafford stadium Saturday March 23, 2002