Friendly draw offers plenty of learning for new Boro boss Edwards

THAT this summer is the first under the management of Rob Edwards meant that there was always going to be a keen sense of intrigue this preseason, with much to learn over the course of Middlesbrough's summer friendlies.

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The first was certainly action-packed but didn’t end in the victory the new head coach might have wished for. His Boro side were 3-0 up by halftime and looking impressive before a raft of second-half changes - five at the interval and six on the hour mark - resulted in a loss of rhythm and control.

It meant Boro left Field Mill with a draw in Edwards’ first public-facing friendly in charge of the club.

There were plenty of positives to take though, and plenty to be learned as Edwards continues to prepare his new side for the upcoming campaign.

Here’s the match debrief.

THE GOALS

22 mins: Boro 1-0, Fry - Whittaker swings in a really good corner and Fry makes a great dash to near post before powering a header beyond Liam Roberts.

34 mins: Boro 2-0, Conway penalty - Another dangerous Whittaker corner and this time, as Fry looks to make the run, he is dragged to the floor. Conway steps up and converts the spot-kick confidently.

38 mins: Boro 3-0, Whittaker - An example of Boro having more variety in attack, Van den Berg plays a longer ball around the outside of the defence into the channel and behind for Whittaker to run on to. He comes inside and produces a smart finish from an angle.

61 mins: Mansfield 1-3, Moriah-Welsh - A bit of fortune as Moriah-Welsh’s first-time effort cannons off his planted foot to spin in a deceiving way and beyond Sol Brynn.

83 mins: Mansfield 2-3, McLaughlin - A cross from Boro’s left hand side goes beyond the back post but left-back Sean McLaughlin arrives to meet it with a bullet header beyond Brynn.

88 mins: Mansfield 3-3, Bowery penalty - Neto Borges is deemed to have handled the ball while trying to head clear. Having already saved one penalty, Brynn is unable to stop Bowery’s as Mansfield level late.