What Happened To The Boro-Mackem Passion?

Last updated : 11 January 2009 By Boro Mad

Nicholas was surprised by the lack of commitment and passion in the North East derby between Middlesbrough and Sunderland.

Nicholas told Soccer Saturday: "It was a rotten first half, lit up by a fantastic goal by Alves on the counter attack on the stroke of half time.

"It was a lovely finish, but there is very, very little to report about this game. I'm not saying anything about the effort of the players but in these derbies you expect at least a bit more commitment and a bit more passion.

"It seemed as if they were saying: 'You have the ball and we'll take the ball back.' There was no real class.

"I thought it would open up in the second half, but it never really got going again. There was no real rhythm or balance in the game."