Neil Warnock praises Middlesbrough’s youngsters but blasts FA Cup kick-off time

Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock said he was pleased to be out of the FA Cup after seeing his youngsters give fans a glimpse of a bright future for the club.
Brentford's Halil Dervisoglu (right) and Middlesbrough's Hayden Coulson (left) battle for the ball (Picture: PA)Brentford's Halil Dervisoglu (right) and Middlesbrough's Hayden Coulson (left) battle for the ball (Picture: PA)
Brentford's Halil Dervisoglu (right) and Middlesbrough's Hayden Coulson (left) battle for the ball (Picture: PA)

Brentford, similarly, gave debuts to three B-team players and included just one first-team regular in the 2-1 third-round win, with first goals for the club for Halil Dervisoglu and Saman Ghoddos.

Sam Folarin’s first senior goal for Middlesbrough was just a consolation, but Warnock was delighted with the performance.

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“We had 20 shots to their eight or nine, so I’m really pleased with them – and pleased to be out now. We gave a good account of ourselves and they will have learned from that,” he said.

Middlesbrough's Marcus Browne (right) and Brentford's Fin Stevens (left) (Picture: PA)Middlesbrough's Marcus Browne (right) and Brentford's Fin Stevens (left) (Picture: PA)
Middlesbrough's Marcus Browne (right) and Brentford's Fin Stevens (left) (Picture: PA)

“I don’t think we could have done that much more. We had plenty of chances and we looked like we enjoyed it. And to be honest I enjoyed watching them.”

His delight at seeing the youngsters shine was muted by a serious knee injury to Marcus Browne, but Warnock added: “We’re hoping it’s not as bad as it looked.

“His kneecap came out and went back in, so it depends on the scan on Monday. It’s a shame as he looked really sharp tonight.”

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Warnock was furious at the 6pm kick-off time and was critical of the FA schedulers.

“I’m disappointed with the result but I didn’t want extra time,” he said. “Middlesbrough v bloody Brentford at that time?

“I’d love the FA people to be on our coach tonight. It’s 2021 and they can’t organise a drink-up in a brewery.”

Brentford: Daniels, Roerslev, Pinnock, Sorensen, Gordon (Haygarth 71), Ghoddos, Stevens, Gilbert, Dervisoglu (Goode 71), Forss, Fosu. Unused substitutes: Shepperd, Canos, Pressley.

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Middlesbrough: Archer, Spence, Wood-Gordon, Bola, Coulson, Wing, Hackney, Tavernier (Jones 90), Roberts, Browne (Folarin 45), Akpom (Burrell 90). Unused substitutes: Brynn, Isaac, Fletcher, Kokolo, Sykes.

Referee: T Robinson (West Sussex).

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