After-Match Reaction... Middlesbrough 0-1 Notts County

Last updated : 21 September 2006 By Paul Smith

On a night of Carling Cup shocks, Notts County's single goal success at ‘Premiership' Middlesbrough, was perhaps the biggest of them all.

Manchester City were defeated at Chesterfield, whilst Wycombe Wanderers triumphed at Fulham.

However, with the gap in places the greatest between ‘Boro and Notts, the 1-0 success was perhaps the biggest of the cup upsets.

Tcham N'Toya's 26th minute strike was enough for the magpies at the Riverside, after some spirited defending and good football saw them through a difficult task.

N'Toya... First for the club

It even eclipsed the victory at Crystal Palace in the previous round!

Despite making seven changes to the side that started the league win at Barnet, Notts still recorded the success, even with ‘Boro fielding International stars such as Mark Viduka, Gaizka Mendieta, and Robert Huth.

The victory has pushed the magpies into the National spotlight, and players, staff and supporters alike are delighted with the outcome.

Here is a roundup of the post-match comments, following Notts' best cup win in over a decade.

Manager

Steve Thompson, speaking to the national press including the Notts County Official site, said: “The players epitomised everything we've done since I've been here, the team spirit, the team arrangements, the work ethic, and I just thought we were good value. I'm just pleased for my players and my supporters. In a week we've been to Chester, Barnet and now to Middlesbrough, I hope we can find a way back home!”

Players

Goalscorer Tcham N'Toya spoke exclusively to Magpie World on the Official Site and said: “We want a home game now. Chelsea or Manchester United would be very good.”

Midfield workhorse Matt Somner also spoke to Magpie World, giving his reaction on the game: “Everyone is well chuffed with the result because all the boys played well. We can all enjoy it but we've obviously got to get our heads down now and focus on Saturday because it's a massive game for us.”

Ian Ross, on loan from Sheffield United, told Magpie World, “They had a lot of quality players which I think didn't perform. But for us, we performed, and that was the main thing.”

Supporters

The NCM Messageboard was overworked in the aftermath of the stunning victory. Here's what some posters thought of the performance.

Legends3: “Let's all hope we get a decent home tie, then flood into Meadow Lane and make some noise, and go and beat Swindon!”

Arnold Pie: “What a fantastic night. Well done to Thommo and the lads. At last we've got passion, team spirit, grit and determination....and the lads even found time to showboat a bit! And before ‘Boro fans say it....that was OUR second team too!”

Craigyncfc: “Pleased for Tcham to get off the mark and what a time and place to do so, how good were his somersaults? Superb performance from all the players, so proud of them all, loving the celebrations at the end. Also the fans tonight were absolutely magnificent and lets now hope for a big Premiership team in the next round.”