When Hamilton Ricard rocked up at White Hart Lane, Tottenham knew they were in trouble.
Just a year earlier, Spurs had fallen victim to the big Colombian at his best – a rip-roaring performance from the powerful frontman as he scored two of the goals in a 3-0 drubbing.
Twelve months down the line and he was at it again, scoring twice as Boro hit three, yet again, and extended their unbeaten run to seven games on this day in 2000.
Boro and Ricard himself were developing quite the soft spot for White Hart Lane.
Still in the bottom half, but now just three points behind seventh-placed Aston Villa, there was every chance Boro were going to improve on their best ever Premier League finish of ninth. Especially on this form.
The scoreline flattered the hosts. From the minute Stephen Carr put the ball in his own net, with half-time fast approaching, cancelling out Chris Armstrong’s opener, there was only ever going to be one winner.
And then Hamilton Ricard stepped forward to steal the show yet again.
“I’m pleased for the lad, because things haven’t always gone well for him this season,” said Robson after the game, calling on Ricard to add more consistency to his game.
“He took his goals really well and was a real handful. Hopefully he can keep it going until the end of the season.”
Like Ricard, Boro were hoping to continue their fine form from now until the end of the season.
With seven games to go, the only disappointment was the fact the season was coming to an end with Boro seemingly hitting top form.
“The self-belief which has been generated by the unbeaten spell was evident from the kick-off, and Boro basically refused to leave the pitch with anything less than three points,” reported Eric Paylor in his match report.
“It makes you wonder what might have happened if Boro had been playing like this in the dark months.”
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