Hignett created Boro history 30 years ago

'It really hits home years later when people stop you in the street and want to shake your hand'

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WHEN Craig Hignett slammed home against Chelsea on the opening day at the Riverside some 30 years ago, he barely realised he had fired himself into history.

Hignett drilled into the top right corner just before the break in Boro's first-footing 2-0 win 30 years ago this week.

That goal - the first scored in Boro's box fresh new ground - ensured his place in Teesside football folklore.

But the significance never registered with the midfielder.

"As a professional player you have your mind totally focused on the game," he explained.

"You are at work. You can't be imagining the headlines while the game is going on so I never really took that in at the time.