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Boro who were ravaged with injuries to top stars proved a handful and United worked throughout the match to break down the young, industrious side. John O'Shea was sacrificed late in the second half and it proved a good move as England striker Alan Smith grabbed an equaliser.
The other !5:00 kick off today was at St.Andrews as Newcastle went down South to Birmingham. 59 cap Shay Given started in goals behind right back Steven Carr and former Bradford City defender Andy O'Brien, who was making his 100th start for Newcastle.
On the opposite side was O'Brien's Irish partner Kenny Cunnigham for Brum. Despite all the defensive talent on show, the game ended with 4 goals and an exciting 2-2 draw. Jenas gave the Magpies the lead after just 2 minutes before former Aston Villa man Dwight Yorke, in for Clinton Morrison snatched an equaliser. England defender Matthew Upson, who was omitted from the England squad today, hammered home Brum's second in after the break before Necastle's pocket dynamite Nicky Butt levelled matters.
The big game today though, was when Chelsea's wing wizard faced up to his Republic Of Ireland collegue Steve Finnan of Liverpool. Unsurprisingly, the game was dictated by the masters of defensive tactics Mourinho and Benetiz. Joe Cole scored the winner in the 2nd half to give Chelsea another 1 goal victory and prolong Finnan's and Pool's poor start.
In The Championship Graham Barrett, who has kept his place in Brian Kerr's squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers and Mick Doyle were on the losing Coventry City side that went down to Ipswich Town. And finally, in Scotland Aiden McGeady was a substiute in Celtic's comprehensive 3-0 victory over Dundee United.