Three points: Nerves here to stay, defensive normality resumed and Bamford deserving of stroke of luck - what we learnt from win over Wigan

Convincing and comprehensive it wasn’t but what does that matter?

You don’t get bonus points for entertainment but a little bit of room for error would have been most welcome in those nerve jangling last 30 minutes.

And to think we’ve got to do that again another six times before the season is out.

I blame Marc-Antoine Fortune. Until the handful of a striker was let loose on Boro in the second half, Wigan looked like they wanted to be anywhere but the Riverside.

Boro’s defence will never stroll though a more comfortable 45 minutes than the first half yesterday.

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Yet suddenly the Latics, surely destined for the third tier, woke up and gave Boro something to think about.

Malky Mackay said he didn’t think it outrageous to claim his side deserved something from the game. I do.

Boro made hard work of it, they were far from their best and it was scrappy rather than pretty, but they were worthy winners.

Three more points, one less game. Six more hard-fought 1-0 victories? That’ll do for me.

For it’s results that matter at the business end of the season, not performances.

Here’s what we learnt from the win against Wigan:

Get used to the nerves - they’re here to stay

It will get to the point where Boro’s faithful aren’t biting their nails anymore simply because they don’t have any nails to bite.

The final game creeps ever closer yet the final standings are still as unclear and unpredictable as they were a month or two ago.

The tension was tangible at the Riverside yesterday but that’s natural for this stage of the campaign with so much on offer.

Adam Clayton in action against Wigan

Patrick Bamford’s strike settled those nerves but whereas a second or third goal would have provided that much-needed breathing space, Boro fans were left to frantically tap their watches in the belief they’d stopped as the second half edged to a conclusion.

And as the pressure rises, so will the number of butterflies fluttering in the stomachs.

Seasons like this don’t come round very often, campaign where Boro are winning most weeks.

And as much as fans wouldn’t want to wish the season away, there won’t have been many leaving the Riverside yesterday who didn’t utter the words “one down, six to go”.

Defensive normality resumed

The shocking defensive display last time out at Bournemouth was as unexpected as it was painful to watch.

We’ve come to expect solidity this season but that all went out of the window as Wilson & Co ran riot.

Yesterday it was normal service resumed.

Granted, the threat offered by Wigan isn’t a patch on what Boro faced at the Goldsands.

But Woodgate and Gibson were both impeccable at the Riverside, barely putting a foot wrong between them. Kalas looked back to his best after a shocker on the south coast as well.

Middlesbrough's Ben Gibson celebrates after the Sky Bet Championship match at the Riverside Stadium

The rock solid defensive displays have been the cornerstone for Boro’s superb season yet the backline has looked worryingly shaky at times over the past month.

That wasn’t the case yesterday and with the two new additions on the bench and Fredericks, Ayala and Ken to call upon when fit, Boro are in good hands at the back once more.

They’ll have to be. Shut-outs in the run-in will be crucial as Boro look to hold on to a spot in the top two.

A touch of class combined with a touch of fortune

Malky Mackay bemoaned the deflected goal that settled the game but Patrick Bamford made his own luck.

The Boro striker is a footballer at the top of his game right now. He was a delight to watch in the first half yesterday.

Neat touches here and there to bring others into the game, sharp movement alongside Vossen tying Wigan’s defence in knots.

He’d tried a couple of speculative efforts before his goal yesterday; a striker buzzing with belief is always keen to shoot on sight.

Patrick Bamford celebrates after scoring Boro's opening goal.

And although his goal did hit the net via a Wigan body, it was the very least Bamford deserved.

He’s made no secret of his wish to lead Boro’s line and on this form it’s hard to see him nudged out to the right flank or dropped to the bench from now until the end of the season.

Since his superb two-goal display against Ipswich, the young striker has transformed himself into one of AK’s indispensables.

Middlesbrough's Patrick Bamford celebrates his opener against Wigan

The striker has had a hand in seven goals in his last seven games at the Riverside now - six goals and one assist.

On 17 goals in all competitions, 15 in the league, it’s now difficult to see him not reaching the 20-mark for the season.

As he made way in the final moments yesterday to be replaced by Kike, the Riverside rose in appreciation.

Another matchwinning display from a striker who’s hit top form when it matters most.

Malky Mackay: 'Boro are as good as any of the teams at the top, Aitor Karanka has done a terrific job'

Wigan Athletic boss Malky Mackay heaped praise on Boro boss Aitor Karanka and believes the Teessiders have every chance of clinching promotion back to the Premier League.

Patrick Bamford's deflected first-half strike was enough to separate the sides , a result that leaves Wigan deeper in trouble in the relegation mire.

Mackay bemoaned his side's lack of luck with the goal, and believes they deserved at least a point from the match.

"I'm really disappointed with the fact that we didn't get anything out of the game," Mackay said.

"I don't think it's outrageous to say we probably deserved something from the game.

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"Especially in the second half we went toe-to-toe with Middlesbrough, one of the best teams in the division. I thought we were terrific in the second half, I thought the back four were immense and (James) McClean was a real driving force.

"We ended up with four good chances inside the 12 yards and it's really just sticking the ball in the net, something Wigan have had an issue with since day one in the season."

The Latics were left to rue spurning a host of chances in the second half, with Marc-Antoine Fortune forcing Dimi Konstantopoulos into a great save, before McClean fluffed his lines at the back post late on.

And with the firepower Boro possess , Mackay believes Karanka's men have every chance of finishing the job and clinching promotion.

"I think Middlesbrough have got a variety of danger men. Obviously it was something we looked at, Patrick Bamford has been scoring lots of goals and centre forwards are a big part of why teams are at the top.

"I was disappointed it was a deflection, that seems to be the order of the day at the minute.

"It's really tight at the top, there's a few teams up there but I think Middlesbrough are as good as any up there.

" Aitor (Karanka) has done a terrific job up here, he's built a good team and with the fan base the club has and the way they're playing, I think they've got as good a chance as four other teams."

Picture gallery and Jonathon Taylor's five observations on Boro win over Wigan

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It wasn't pretty but the three points are all that matter as Boro started the final stretch of the Championship campaign with a win over Wigan.

Patrick Bamford's deflected shot in the first half proved to be the matchwinner in a hard-fought clash against the Latics.

Gazetter writer Jonathon Taylor offers five observations from the game:

1) Aitor Karanka resisted the tempation to field new boys Fernando Amorebieta and Dwight Tiendalli, and Boro's defence had a steady look to it. Despite being up against a limited Wigan attacking line, Jonathan Woodgate and Ben Gibson continue to be Boro's most reliable centre defensive partnership.

2) Wigan tried to rough Boro up in the early exchanges, with James Perch in particular making two late challenges on Adam Clayton and Patrick Bamford, and James McClean scything down Tomas Kalas. But Aitor Karanka's side can more than hold their own in the heat of a battle, with Grant Leadbitter marshalling the centre of the field and showing why he remains Boro's lynchpin.

3) Patrick Bamford is prolific at this level and is crucial to Boro's promotion run-in. During a first half of limited quality, the Chelsea loanee clinically notched the opener and forced Ali Al-Habsi into a world class save immediately after. With Bamford leading the line, Boro always look dangerous.

4) Albert Adomah was back to his best, causing havoc down the flanks. It was a super display for the Ghanian, and it came at a vital part of the season. With less than 72 hours until Boro kick-off at Watford, the players must recharge their batteries quicklt to keep their promotion dream on course.

5) Boro fans better get used to chewing their finger nails - the last six games of this promotion race is not going to be easy viewing. The hosts allowed toothless Wigan back into the match in the second half and almost paid the price, when Fortune wriggled free of his marker and was denied by a Konstantopoulos save.

Picture gallery: Boro fans at the Riverside for the game against Wigan

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The third biggest Riverside crowd of the season saw Boro climb back to the top of the Championship with a close fought win over Wigan.

Patrick Bamford's first half goal settled an edgy game which moved Boro three points closer to the Premier League.

Aitor Karanka admitted it wasn't the best performance of the season but that matters little at this stage of the campaign.

Were you at the Riverside for the game against the Latics? Have a look to see if you feature in our gallery of fans in the stands.

Aitor Karanka: 'The performance wasn't brilliant but the most important thing was to win the game'

Aitor Karanka hailed his side's battling 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic as Boro soared to the top of the Championship table.

Patrick Bamford's first-half strike was enough to separate the sides, and the result saw Boro return to the top of the pile ahead of Bournemouth and Watford's late kick-offs.

It wasn't a pretty display from the Teessiders and they had goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos to thank after the Greek pulled off great save to thwart Marc-Antoine Fortune late on.

The result means Boro head to Watford on Easter Monday in good spirits - and Karanka admitted an extra two weeks of preparation at Rockliffe Park over the international break has proved vital.

"It was a tough game and a very important win," Karanka said.

"The performance, especially in the second half, wasn't brilliant but the most important thing is to win the game.

"It's three more points and now we must rest well and think about the game on Monday against Watford.

"Today Patrick scored the goal but Dimi made an important save, Woody and Gibbo, the full-backs, Reachy and Albert - we won today it was because we played like a team.

Middlesbrough's manager Aitor Karanka and Jelle Vossen

"In the second half we let them play in their style and it's a style we don't know how to play. We had problems but we have three more points.

"The home game against Bolton was similar. We had chances but didn't score and at the end they put long balls into the box, but we won the game and everyone is confident.

"We're pleased and ready to go to Watford on Monday."

Boro's win banished the memory of the heavy Bournemouth defeat a fortnight ago, and Karanka admitted his side were mentally fatigued before arriving on the South Coast.

But after some much-needed rest and extra time on the training pitch, he believes Boro are now braced for a final push for promotion to the Premier League.

"We arrived at Bournemouth very tired, not physically but mentally because we had a lot of demanding games in February and March," Karanka said.

"The last two weeks working at Rockliffe were good for us because now we're rested and now we have more energy.

"It's the best way to arrive (at Watford) after a win in your game, we're more confident and did our job. Now we have to prepare for the following game with three more points in the table."

Was goalscorer Bamford Boro's best? Rate the players after the win over Wigan

Patrick Bamford took his league tally to 15 with the matchwinning goal against Wigan.

His first half strike settled a scrappy Championship affair as Boro held on to climb back to the top of the Championship, at least temporarily.

Jonathan Woodgate was immaculate at the back once again while Albert Adomah put in another excellent display on the right flank.

Who do you think was Boro's best today? Give us your verdict and rate the players.

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  Dimi Konstantopoulos

  
  

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  Tomas Kalas

  
  

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  George Friend

  
  

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  Ben Gibson

  
  

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  Jonathan Woodgate

  
  

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  Adam Clayton

  
  

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  Grant Leadbitter

  
  

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  Albert Adomah

  
  

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  Patrick Bamford

  
  

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  Jelle Vossen

  
  

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  Adam Reach

  
  

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• Substitutes


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  Lee Tomlin

  
  

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  Kike

  
  

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• Submission / Results

Nightlife in pictures: Party goers captured out in Middlesbrough and Stockton

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Photographers Sam edge and Nicola Thompson provide you with a snapshot of Teesside & Stockton nightlife.

This week features nights from a Middlesbrough venue & a Stockton Venue.

We have scenes from a night at The Empire & Ku Bar.

Take a look and see if you are one of the many captured on a night out.

Find dozens more nightlife pictures on our About Town page .

Boro 1 Wigan 0: Full time match report

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Boro made hard work of seeing off woeful Wigan but still banked the points and went back to the top of the table, even if briefly.

After a scrappy start Boro made the breakthrough midway through the first half with Patrick Bamford's 17goal of the season.

Then they took control and had chances to kill off a shapeless relegation bound Wigan – but in the second half they lost their way and their momentum and almost the visitors back into the game.

Dimi Konstantoupoulos made a good save from Fortune then McClean miscued a sitter when free in the box in a nervous spell.

Boro did have chances to seal it but failed to take them and in the end will have been relieved to hear the final whistle.

It Boro back to the top although rivals ahead of rivals Watford and Bournemouth who had evening kick-offs.

Boro made two changes as skipper Jonathan Woodgate stepped into central defence despite a broken toe with Tomas Kalas switching to right back in place of Emilio Nsue.

Up front Jelle Vossen replaced Lee Tomlin behind Patrick Bamford on a day when 60 Genk fans had come from Genk to watch him.

There was a scrappy start and several tentative Boro moves broke down as the final ball went astray.

The first half chance came on seven minutes as Adam reach chipped into the box and it wouldn't quite fall for Patrick Bamford who was muscled aside.

Then on 10 minutes Reach played the ball into the box and first Albert Adomah tricked and turned but couldn't find sight of goal then he laid it back for Bamford to also hold players off and try to carve out space for a shot then he touched it back to Adomah but his low cross fizzed across the face of goal.

And soon after a quick move sent Bamford into the box and when his run was blocked he squared for Grant Leadbitter overlapping on the right but his low shot was charged down by Bong.

Boro continued to press in numbers in and around the Wigan box but were struggling to find a fluid passing rhythm and the home team were working hard to keep them at arm's length.

And on 18 minutes neat ball over the top sent Jelle Vossen bursting behind the defence but the offside flag went up.

Boro the growing pressure told as PATRICK BAMFORD got the opener on 20 minutes.

Adomah pushed a square ball into the box from the right and Vossen laid it back to the edge of the box for the striker to collect and his shot took a slight deflection and dipped over the crowd and into the far bottom corner for his 17 goal of the season.

And two minutes later Bamford almost had another but his curling 15 yard shot on the turn towards the near bottom corner sent Al-Habsi full length to save well.

On 24 minutes Wigan's McGuire was booked for a foul on Bamford.

Wigan made a rare raid forward and won a corner on 27 minutes but when the out-swinger was nodded goalwards alert George Friend popped up to head clear before Clarke could connect.

Boro had a penalty appeal waved away on the half-hour as Vossen touched on a Reach ball into the box towards Bamford and defender Maguire came sliding in to block and appeared to handle but the ref waved play on and the danger was scrambled away.

They were on the attack again on 34 minutes as Adomah back-heeled to salvage a ball that looked like it was going out then burst down the right to get the return from Tomas Kalas then whipped in a cross that Bamford brought down on his chest but defender Pearce nipped it to stab away when it dropped.

Wigan looked shapeless and aimless but they made a half-hearted attack on 40 minutes as a long ball forward took McClean dribbling into the box from the left but with nowhere to go he hooked a ball aimless toward the middle which was easily cleared.

On 41 minutes Perch was booked for a foul on Bamford.

Boro were back on the attack straight away as Friend played a ball into the feet of Vossen's run into the box but Pearce came sliding in to block the shot.

Then on the stroke of half-time a cross from Reach was scrambled half-clear and landed at the feet of Adam Clayton 20 yards out but his drilled low effort was deflected just wide.

HALF-TIME: BORO 1 WIGAN 0

Wigan put on Fortune for Murphy at the break and showed their second half intent with a few high balls lobbed forward early on which were routinely nodded away.

Boro continued to press with crisp balls down the flank but first Vossen was flagged offside on the right then soon after Bamford just failed to collect a Leadbitter slotted pass down the left.

Then a quick Vossen diagonal ball behind the Wigan defence sent Adomah racing down the inside right channel forcing keeper Al-Habsi to dash out of his box to clear.

On 52 minutes Boro won a free-kick as Maguire chopped down Reach 25 yards out but Leadbitter's ball flew high over.

Boro should have had a second as Reach streaked down the left and crossed into the box for Vossen to deftly touch on into the path of Adomah but he never got a clean contact and his angled 12 yard effort flew wide.

And on 55 minutes Bamford flicked on to send Vossen into the box but he was muscled out by Maguire.

On 57 minutes McClean was booked for a hefty foul on Kalas and two minutes later Ben Gibson was cautioned for clattering McClean as it got a bit tetchy.

On 61 minutes Wigan put on Waghorn for Clarke.

Boro had a scare on 62 minutes as Fortune let a high-ball into the box drop then twisted past Woodgate to slam in a low 10 yard shot that was well saved by Dimi Konstantopoulos.

Then McClean got down the left and when Woodgate nodded his cross away it fell to Pennant free in the box but he screwed his shot wide and fell over.

On 65 minutes Wigan put on Kvist for Pennant.

On 67 minutes Boro put on Lee Tomlin for Vossen.

Wigan broke forward on 69 minutes but Perch screwed a hopeful long range effort well wide.

Straight down the other end Boro threatened with a crisp move and Bamford slotted the ball into the box and into the path of Tomlin who took a touch then stabbed it goalwards but Al-Habsi saved.

Then Boro won a corner and when it was half-cleared Tomlin slammed in a shot that was blocked then Wigan broke quickly but Fortune's final ball in was poor and easily cleared.

Then Wigan pressed again but when Perch picked out McClean on the left of the box his cushioned chip into the middle sailed straight into the arms of Konstantopoulos.

On 76 minutes Waghorn was booked for a foul on Clayton.

Boro went close out of the blue on 78 minutes as a Tomlin ball found Bamford 25 yards out and he turned casually then fired in a low shot that skidded towards the far bottom corner sending Al-Habsi scrambling across to push behind.

Boro then won a series of corners and from one Bamford peeled away from his man to stretch and poke across the face of goal.

Boro had a lucky escape on 81 minutes as a quick Wigan break ended with Kim chipping across to McClean unmarked in the box and 10 yards out but with time and space he completely miscued his volley and screwed weakly wide.

Boro broke forward on 85 minutes as Adomah got down the right then picked out Tomlin buthe was shepherded away.

Then soon after Adomah dribbled forward and twisted past his man and cracked in an angled shot that forced a good save from Al-Habsi.

Tomlin was booked for a foul on Maguire on 88 minutes.

Boro put Kike on for Bamford on 88 minutes.

In stoppage time Clayton chased a long ball forward and grappled and tussled with defender Bong all the way back to the box before hauling his man aside and touching the ball wide for Kike to slot in but the foul had already been given.

Clayton was booked at the death for kicking the ball away.

Then deep in added time a Wigan attack was cleared and Tomlin and Kike broke clear with the defence haring back and they got to the edge of the box before Tomlin's low shot was pushed behind by the keeper.

BORO: Konstantopoulos, Kalas, Woodgate (c ), Gibson, Friend, Adomah, Clayton, Leadbitter, Reach, Vossen (Tomlin 67), Bamford (Kike 88). Subs: Ripley, Whitehead, Amorebieta, Tiendalli, Forshaw.

WIGAN: Al-Habsi, Boyce, Maguire, Pearce, Bong, Pennant )Kvist, 65), Perch, Murphy (Fortune 46), Kim, McClean, Clarke (Waghorn, 61). Subs: Carson. McCann, Ojo, Barnett.

Ref: Stuart Atwell (Nuneaton)

Att: 23,082 (457 Wigan)

Recap: Boro 1-0 Wigan at the Riverside Stadium

Boro's much hyped ‘Week of Destiny’ ended on a bum note with a bubble-bursting defeat at title rivals Bournemouth - but six points from three big games was still a respectable return.

The set-back on the South Coast left them a point off the top and it looked like it was a game too far but Boro have had two weeks to regroup, recharge batteries and get refocused on the prize.

On home turf third bottom Wigan have been woeful and have taken just one point from six games, that coming in a 1-1 draw with rivals Bolton last time out.

But on the road they have won their last four to give themselves a glimmer of hope that they may yet escape the basement battle.

Redcar Bears forced to wait until next Thursday for chance to claim first win

Heavy rain and a poor weather forecast destroyed Redcar Bears’ hopes of exacting revenge on Sheffield Tigers as their re-match at the Media Prima Arena - part of the South Tees Motorsports Park complex - was called off around midday (Friday).

The two sides met in the League Cup Northern Qualifying Group on Thursday in South Yorkshire and the Tigers triumphed 47-40.

But, with the injury-hit Bears restored to seven riders, having called up Newcastle’s Ludvig Lindgren as a guest for Stuart Robson, the Ecco Finishing Bears were quietly confident of turning the tables.

Sheffield would have been without a dangerous reserve in reigning British Under-21 Champion Josh Bates, who piled up heavily at Owlerton, while veteran former Premier League Riders Champion Andre Compton was also rated as “doubtful”after suffering a fall.

But the waterlogged Teesside circuit meant that the Bears must wait until next Thursday, when they entertain local rivals Newcastle, to look for their first win of the season.

That should give a bruised and battered skipper Stuart Robson enough time to make a return from injury.

Young Bears reserve Ben Morley is in action at Mildenhall on Sunday where he bids to qualify from this year’s British Under-21 Championship semi-final.

Morley, who also races in the amateur National League for Kent Kings, turned 21 last month, so this year represents his last chance of lifting the junior crown taken by Teesside’s former World Champion Havelock in 1986.

Mark Courtney also celebrated success in the competition wearing Middlesbrough colours six years earlier.

No re-staging date has yet been set for Redcar’s match against Sheffield and, although the Bears have several spare dates on their fixture list, the meeting will almost certainly have to take place on a Friday again as the Tigers also have Thursday as their regular race night.

Recap: Breaking news, traffic and travel across Teesside

The Gazette's live breaking news blog brings you regular updates, pictures, video, tweets and comments covering the latest Teesside and North Yorkshire traffic, travel, weather, crime and council news for today, Thursday 26th March 2015.

You can contribute to the live blog by posting your comment below, and you can also tweet us @EveningGazette to share breaking news stories, pictures and opinions.

Our Teesside breaking news live blog begins at 07:00am every weekday and is updated throughout the day and into the evening.

Recap: Breaking news, traffic and travel across Teesside

The Gazette's live breaking news blog brings you regular updates, pictures, video, tweets and comments covering the latest Teesside and North Yorkshire traffic, travel, weather, crime and council news for today, Friday 27th March 2015.

You can contribute to the live blog by posting your comment below, and you can also tweet us @EveningGazette to share breaking news stories, pictures and opinions.

Our Teesside breaking news live blog begins at 07:00am every weekday and is updated throughout the day and into the evening.

Recap: Breaking news, traffic and travel across Teesside

The Gazette's live breaking news blog brings you regular updates, pictures, video, tweets and comments covering the latest Teesside and North Yorkshire traffic, travel, weather, crime and council news for today, Monday 30th March 2015.

You can contribute to the live blog by posting your comment below, and you can also tweet us @EveningGazette to share breaking news stories, pictures and opinions.

Our Teesside breaking news live blog begins at 07:00am every weekday and is updated throughout the day and into the evening.

Recap: Breaking news, traffic and travel across Teesside

The Gazette's live breaking news blog brings you regular updates, pictures, video, tweets and comments covering the latest Teesside and North Yorkshire traffic, travel, weather, crime and council news for today, Tuesday 31st March 2015.

You can contribute to the live blog by posting your comment below, and you can also tweet us @EveningGazette to share breaking news stories, pictures and opinions.

Our Teesside breaking news live blog begins at 07:00am every weekday and is updated throughout the day and into the evening.

Recap: Breaking news, traffic and travel across Teesside

The Gazette's live breaking news blog brings you regular updates, pictures, video, tweets and comments covering the latest Teesside and North Yorkshire traffic, travel, weather, crime and council news for today, Monday 1st April 2015.

You can contribute to the live blog by posting your comment below, and you can also tweet us @EveningGazette to share breaking news stories, pictures and opinions.

Our Teesside breaking news live blog begins at 07:00am every weekday and is updated throughout the day and into the evening.

Live: Boro v Wigan at the Riverside Stadium

Boro's much hyped ‘Week of Destiny’ ended on a bum note with a bubble-bursting defeat at title rivals Bournemouth - but six points from three big games was still a respectable return.

The set-back on the South Coast left them a point off the top and it looked like it was a game too far but Boro have had two weeks to regroup, recharge batteries and get refocused on the prize.

On home turf third bottom Wigan have been woeful and have taken just one point from six games, that coming in a 1-1 draw with rivals Bolton last time out.

But on the road they have won their last four to give themselves a glimmer of hope that they may yet escape the basement battle.

Charity overwhelmed by calls for help from sexual abuse victims receives welcome funding boost

A charity which was overwhelmed by calls for help from victims of sexual abuse has received a welcome funding boost.

The Home Office announced a £2m fund for organisations like Arch in Middlesbrough which had seen increased demand following the launch of the independent panel inquiry into child sexual abuse.

Arch’s bid for a slice of the funding proved successful and the organisation was awarded £37,500.

It means the charity can provide an extra 70 hours per month of counselling to Teesside victims of child sexual abuse, both male and female, from the age of 14, said chief executive Dilys Davy.

“During 2013/14 the average number of sessions Arch provided to victims of childhood sexual abuse was 70 per month,” she said.

“However in September 2014 there was an unprecedented 50% rise in sessions provided.”

Cleveland Police also reported an increase of 59% in recorded crimes of sexual activity with a child under 13 years during the year ending March 2014 compared to a national increase of 33%.

“We attributed this increase in demand for service to the announcement of the child sexual abuse inquiry in July 2014 - the increase in demand was evident immediately,” said Dilys.

“However we were unable to provide additional sessions until September 2014. An additional 70 counselling hours per month had to be found.”

The Saltersgill-based charity was set up in 1997 and boasts 17 members of staff.

The main objective is to provide counselling interventions to help people overcome their trauma and associated problems including depression, panic attacks and trust issues. Victims in the court process are also supported by the charity.

“We understand that each person has individual needs,” said Dilys.

“Our counsellors work integratively from a person-centred base using a variety of therapeutic models and techniques.”

For more information visit http://bit.ly/1Go09Tw.

Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner, Barry Coppinger, supported the charity in its bid.

He said: “said: “Sexual abuse, in all its forms is a horrific crime.

“I am delighted that Arch have been awarded this much needed funding to ensure that survivors of child sexual abuse get the support they deserve.

As reported in January, the charity is also supporting the police in looking into 49 reports of rape which previously went unclassified as crimes.

It comes after a review by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary last year found 12 offences of rape had been misrecorded.

A review set up by the force after criticism over how it handled rape allegations uncovered a further 37 reports of cases wrongly recorded as “no crime”.

Plan agreed to build on site of memorial plaque to founder of open spaces association

A plan to build on an area of green land, “ironically” the site of a memorial plaque to the founder of an open spaces association are in the pipeline.

Middlesbrough Council has approved the sale of the rest garden on Acklam Road, close to the Roseberry petrol station in Whinney Banks.

But the move has been slammed by some who state the move is “ironic considering what the area stands for”.

Scarlet Pink, 33, of community group Hands on Middlesbrough, said “ironically, this is the site of a memorial plaque to William Henry Thomas” - the founder of the Middlesbrough and District Betterment and Open Spaces Association.

“This is a well used space but it is not just about that,” added the Linthorpe resident. “It is about what this represents.

“This is a symbol of what is happening up and down the country, not only in Middlesbrough.

“56% of housing and building are going on green spaces now. And although I know places need to be built, some places that are used by the community, especially parks and community areas, need to be protected.”

Memorial plaque to William Henry Thomas

According to Gazette sources, Aldi has submitted an interest in building a store on the land.

There are currently nine of the supermarket giant’s stores across Teesside. A further three are also to be built in Billingham, Thornaby and Coulby Newham, and an Aldi is in the pipeline for Skelton.

However when contacted by the Gazette about the latest rumours, Aldi said they were unable to comment.

This is not the first time a chunk of the open space on Acklam Road was lost.

Parts of the same rest garden and Westbourne Park, which lies opposite, were taken when a roundabout was built for the Acklam Green housing development.

“I have been trying to keep my eye on this site with what happened with the roundabout previously,” said Scarlet, a charity office manager.

“It is an area that was identified at risk.”

No plans have yet been submitted to Middlesbrough Council.

But a public document, the minutes from a January meeting of Middlesbrough Council’s executive sub­-committee for property, confirms the the sale.

It states that three options were put forward - to re­use the land for another purpose, proceed with the sale, or keep the land as it is.

Acklam Green open space on Acklam Road, Middlesbrough

The document goes on to state that a decision to order the sale of the land was supported.

“This will result in the disposal of surplus property in return for the capital receipt to the Council and assist in the regeneration and enhancement of the local area,” it reads.

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Council said: “The sale of a piece of land at Acklam Road was approved by the Executive Sub-Committee for Property in January.

“The report considered by the committee found that the proposed development would bring significant benefits to the Acklam Green area, including jobs and potential further investment and that this would outweigh the loss of open space given the proximity of Westbourne Park.

“As part of the proposal the developer would be required to relocate the memorial stone on the remaining open space on the site in a permanent prominent position.”

Northern League: Pivotal Easter weekend - at top and bottom of the table

Guisborough and Marske will know a lot more about their chances of winning the Northern League title after a pivotal Easter weekend, which sees Billingham Synthonia play a pair of future-defining fixtures down at the bottom.

Table-topping Guisborough take their four-point lead in Division One to Durham City – the last team to beat them an astonishing 20 games ago in November – tomorrow before hosting fourth-placed Marske in a high stakes derby on Easter Monday.

Guisborough boss Chris Hardy said: “It’s a weekend we’ve got to try and enjoy.

“There’s a lot of pressure on in terms of other teams dropping points during the week, which has shifted the ball about the court.

“I still think the title is in Shildon’s hands. But if we can beat Durham City and something gives between Marske and West Auckland tomorrow, that can only strengthen our cause.

“I think we need to take 10 points from our last 12, which would takes us to 90 points.

“If another team finishes on more than 90 points, they deserve to win the title.”

Marske’s Easter programme could not have been much tougher as they face the top two, but they are hanging in there after rallying from three goals down to draw 3-3 at Sunderland RCA on Tuesday.

Marske manager Jarrett said: “This weekend is do or die for us. If we do well out of it, we’ve got a fighting chance.

“If we don’t, it will decide whether we finish fourth or fifth. That’s the bottom line, but it’s a good opportunity for us and it’s an exciting time for the league.

“West will be a physical game at home and Guisborough are a well-drilled footballing side.

“We are still grinding results out, but we’ve got to be on it.”

Billingham Synthonia boss Conrad Hillerby says his third-bottom side need to give everything and more in their Easter games, at home to Sunderland RCA tomorrow and at Penrith on Monday.

Hillerby said: “These are probably the two biggest games in the club’s history for a long time. We’ve done well to get ourselves into a position where we can still stay up.

“We need six points from these last nine, realistically. The players have got to give it their all.”

Stevie Huggins, Matty Osmond and Dan Dillon will all make their Synners returns.

Unbeaten in five, Thornaby will look to cement sixth place in Division Two as they host second-placed Team Northumbria tomorrow and visit Stokesley on Monday.

They have a full-strength squad and manager Paul Edwards said: “We’ve showed a lot of togetherness in these last five games.

“We know how to win and we’ve had quite a settled side.”

Stokesley have injury problems to contend with at Birtley tomorrow before they entertain Thornaby on Monday.

Main striker Jack Bradbury is missing and attacking midfielders Steve Roberts and Dean Wilson are out for the season.

Staff at Department of Work and Pensions in Stockton raise funds in memory of much-loved colleague

Staff paid tribute to a popular former colleague by raising vital charity funds.

Susan Munsey died on February 2 aged 56 following a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

The Stockton mum had worked for the Department of Work and Pensions in Stockton for about 30 years and staff there were devastated by her death.

“It was a great shock to everybody when we found out how ill she was and it was very difficult for us when she died,” said colleague Liz Gray.

“Susan was a lovely person, always bubbly and very upbeat. She was a very glamorous and colourful lady, very approachable, friendly and energetic.

“She never complained even when she was very poorly.”

A fundraiser was held at the office in memory of Susan, with a dress down day, cake stalls, a raffle and tombola. Organised by the sports and social club committee, it raised £1,381 for Cancer Research.

Susan’s husband Malcolm Munsey, 64, received the cheque on behalf of the charity.

He said: “Susan was diagnosed two and a half years ago but she struggled on with that at work for some time.

“She also kept on jogging and keeping fit. She was having radiotherapy and chemotherapy and only finished work when it wasn’t going to be possible for her to continue.

“She worked there for 30 years and was much-loved.”

Redcar Bears go down 47-40 in battling defeat to Sheffield Tigers

Redcar Bears went down to a battling 47-40 defeat at Owlerton Stadium last night, and in another blow tonight's return meeting has been rained off.

Bears boss Brian Havelock was far from dismayed with last night's performance as his side weathered a succession of setbacks, yet still were never more than nine points adrift at any stage on the big, fast steel city track.

The Teessiders were thumped 56-36 in their opening home match against Workington just over a week ago but Havelock insists the signs were mostly positive in South Yorkshire with winter signing Lasse Bjerre again in sparkling form and twice 'Bear of the Year' Hugh Skidmore and Jan Graversen both getting among the points after recovering from illnesses.

Returning Czech star Matej Kus was dogged by mechanical problems all evening, failing to finish three of his five races, and young reserve Ben Morley also suffered mechanical problems, while the Bears were forced to use rider replacement for skipper Stuart Robson, who is still recovering from concussion and bruising sustained during the Workington match.

Sheffield also lost the services of British Under-21 Champion Josh Bates after a heavy heat two crash but it didn't prevent the home side leading from the moment their top rider Simon Stead beat Bjerre in the fastest time of the night in the opening race.

Despite Bjerre winning heats four and five and Skidmore, a former Tigers rider who still lives in Sheffield, and Graversen both taking the chequered flag shortly afterwards, the hosts held a nine-point advantage after the tenth race.

Danish duo Bjerre and Graversen claimed Redcar's only 5-1 of the night in heat 11 and Kus, back on Teesside after a season at Berwick, won heat 12.

But England International Stead thwarted any hopes of a Bears comeback by taking a thrilling heat 13 and then the last race to complete a magnificent 15-point maximum, leaving Havelock frustrated but encouraged.

The Bears promoter stressed:

"Stead has really got himself and his bike tuned in for that track.

"Heat 13 was a great race and Lasse really pushed him hard.

"They were passing and re-passing and Stead just got it on the final bend."

The Tigers ace received sterling support from former Redcar favourite Ty Proctor, who scored nine plus one bonus point, while new faces to their ranks Ashley Birks and David Bellego regularly chipped in with useful points. Havelock continued:

"I knew our middle order had to do something after last week so we had a talk midway through the meeting and they responded well.

"Matej Kus had a nightmare, blowing an engine in his first ride then breaking down again on his second bike.

"He won one race but we never really got to the bottom of the cause of his trouble.

"Ben Morley also blew an engine and we were using rider replacement, so it was always going to be a tough night.

"Had we had a full team I think we could have won but this is a difficult place to come and get a result so I'm not displeased with that performance."

TIGERS: Simon Stead 15, Ty Proctor 9+1, Ashley Birks 8+2, Arthur Sissis 6+3, David Bellego 6, Andre Compton 2, Josh Bates 1.

BEARS: Lasse Bjerre 15, Hugh Skidmore 12+1, Jan Graversen 5+1, Matej Kus 4, Rafal Konopka 3, Ben Morley 1+1, R/R for Stuart Robson.

Middlesbrough artist deals with loss of his mother in latest exhibition at Redcar gallery

Dealing with the loss of his mother inspired a Middlesbrough artist’s six-week installation at a Redcar gallery.

Richey Henderson’s Love and Loss at the Palace Hub on Esplanade reflects on his late mother Suzanne’s death from cancer while she was a patient at Teesside Hospice.

The installation features a king-size bed set up in the centre of the gallery, along with an eight-foot high drawing of Suzanne, 67, a few hours from her death in September 2013.

There are also clothes, letters and large scale artworks drawn directly on the walls.

Richey Henderson launches 'Love and Loss' exhibition at the Palace Hub in Redcar

It might not be what visitors to the Hub are used to, but Richey is looking forward to the response.

The 43-year-old, who lives and works at the Bohouse studios, on Bridge Street West, said: “Some people might come in and ask me why there is a bed in the room, why there are a pair of knickers on the floor, but I think people in Redcar are ready for it.

“I’ve already had some really positive responses to the installation, but whatever reaction I get will be welcomed.

“I wanted to make something inclusive not too conceptual, so there are more traditional elements of drawings and paintings in there, hopefully to draw people in and introduce them to my work.”

Richey Henderson launches 'Love and Loss' exhibition at the Palace Hub in Redcar

Richey had moved to Manchester to study and then work, but moved back to Middlesbrough when his mother, a hairdresser from Normanby, was put on an end-of-life care pathway.

“She had gone into Teesside Hospice on an end-of-life care pathway, but went to hospital with an illness and sadly she died sooner than we expected she would.

“Putting this exhibition together has really been a cathartic experience for me. As an artist, your craft doesn’t leave you and just before my mother died I found myself sketching whenever she closed her eyes.

“They’re memories, I had to grab whatever I could.

“She was a wonderful person. Strong, no-nonsense, but she would do anything for anyone.

Richey Henderson launches 'Love and Loss' exhibition at the Palace Hub in Redcar

“But it’s not all just about death. I wanted to capture those lost relationships when you might have fallen out with a friend, when you break up with your first partner after being head over heels in love.

“One person who visited came up to me in tears and said that she had recently lost someone, and it helped to see that other people had gone through the same thing.”

The exhibition also makes use of interactive online content using QR codes, which allow visitors to access online content away from the gallery.

Richey, who grew up in Redcar, trains teachers at Middlesbrough College and has just finished a year-long stint as chair of the Middlesbrough Council-owned Gallery TS1.

Redcar Bears confident of turning the tables on Sheffield Tigers

Redcar Bears face Sheffield Tigers for the second time in 24 hours tonight (Friday) at the newly re-named Media Prima Arena confident of turning the tables despite going down to a battling 47-40 defeat at Owlerton Stadium last night.

Bears boss Brian Havelock was far from dismayed as his side weathered a succession of setbacks, yet still were never more than nine points adrift at any stage on the big, fast steel city track.

The Teessiders were thumped 56-36 in their opening home match against Workington just over a week ago but Havelock insists the signs were mostly positive in South Yorkshire with winter signing Lasse Bjerre again in sparkling form and twice 'Bear of the Year' Hugh Skidmore and Jan Graversen both getting among the points after recovering from illnesses.

Returning Czech star Matej Kus was dogged by mechanical problems all evening, failing to finish three of his five races, and young reserve Ben Morley also suffered mechanical problems, while the Bears were forced to use rider replacement for skipper Stuart Robson, who is still recovering from concussion and bruising sustained during the Workington match.

Sheffield also lost the services of British Under-21 Champion Josh Bates after a heavy heat two crash but it didn't prevent the home side leading from the moment their top rider Simon Stead beat Bjerre in the fastest time of the night in the opening race.

Despite Bjerre winning heats four and five and Skidmore, a former Tigers rider who still lives in Sheffield, and Graversen both taking the chequered flag shortly afterwards, the hosts held a nine-point advantage after the tenth race.

Danish duo Bjerre and Graversen claimed Redcar's only 5-1 of the night in heat 11 and Kus, back on Teesside after a season at Berwick, won heat 12.

But England International Stead thwarted any hopes of a Bears comeback by taking a thrilling heat 13 and then the last race to complete a magnificent 15-point maximum, leaving Havelock frustrated but encouraged.

The Bears promoter stressed:

"Stead has really got himself and his bike tuned in for that track.

"Heat 13 was a great race and Lasse really pushed him hard.

"They were passing and re-passing and Stead just got it on the final bend."

The Tigers ace received sterling support from former Redcar favourite Ty Proctor, who scored nine plus one bonus point, while new faces to their ranks Ashley Birks and David Bellego regularly chipped in with useful points. Havelock continued:

"I knew our middle order had to do something after last week so we had a talk midway through the meeting and they responded well.

"Matej Kus had a nightmare, blowing an engine in his first ride then breaking down again on his second bike.

"He won one race but we never really got to the bottom of the cause of his trouble.

"Ben Morley also blew an engine and we were using rider replacement, so it was always going to be a tough night.

"Had we had a full team I think we could have won but this is a difficult place to come and get a result so I'm not displeased with that performance."

Before the match Jitendra Duffill, who was held up en-route but will manage the Bears tonight, said: "You would have to say that Sheffield will start as favourites in both matches.”

Now, with guest Ludvig Lindgren, from Newcastle, restoring the Teessiders to a full compliment of seven riders and the Tigers likely to use Darlington's Luke Crang as a replacement for dislocated shoulder victim Bates, he might have reason to be more optimistic about a first win of the new season.

TIGERS: Simon Stead 15, Ty Proctor 9+1, Ashley Birks 8+2, Arthur Sissis 6+3, David Bellego 6, Andre Compton 2, Josh Bates 1.

BEARS: Lasse Bjerre 15, Hugh Skidmore 12+1, Jan Graversen 5+1, Matej Kus 4, Rafal Konopka 3, Ben Morley 1+1, R/R for Stuart Robson.

Great-grandparents originally from Scotland who made Teesside their home mark 65 years of marriage

Great-grandparents who made Teesside their home have marked 65 years of marriage.

Doris and Robert Bain, of Wheatlands Drive, Marske, are originally from Scotland but have lived on Teesside for more than 60 years.

Doris, 85, said: “Robert was in the Navy when we met.”

It was in 1947 that Robert first set eyes on Doris at a the dance at the British Legion club in Lossiemouth, near Inverness.

“I fell in love with her at first sight,” said Robert, now 86.

“I didn’t,” said Doris. “I was 18. He had a fight on his hands, but he made it.

“After I met him, I went away to work down south near Crowthorne but we kept in touch through letters.

“I came home to visit. That’s when it really started.”

Robert was demobbed from the Navy and, after four years of courting, Doris and Robert married at St Gerardine’s Church in Lossiemouth on April 3 1950.

They had their first daughter, Maureen, in 1951 and moved down to Teesside where Robert had found work as a process superintendent at ICI.

“I was on £5 a week in the Navy,” said Robert, “In my first week at ICI, I was paid £7. I spread it all out on the table. We couldn’t believe it.”

He added: “Life has been great for us here. I loved my work at ICI.”

The couple went on to have three more daughters. Twins Patricia and Pamela were born in 1954 followed by Julia in 1957. Having moved to Marske, Robert and Doris firmly settled in the region as the perfect place to bring up a family.

They now have eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

“We’ve had a good life here,” said Doris.

“Around this area, the people are very similar to Scotland - friendly - people talk to you. It’s been a wonderful life really.”

Kind-hearted Grove Hill teen comes up with eggcellent fundraising idea for hospital youngsters

Darryl Mather is full of egg-cellent ideas.

The 18-year-old is constantly thinking of ways to bring a smile to the faces of youngsters on Children’s Ward 21 at Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital .

And the Grove Hill teenager has just done it again - auctioning off a 2006/07 Boro home shirt signed by former players such as Mendieta, Yakubu and Southgate, so he could buy a host of Easter treats for the youngsters.

“I made £230 by auctioning the shirt on Facebook, and with that, I was able to buy 200 Easter eggs.

“I am really pleased with that. It is a bit of a treat for the children and I hope it brings a smile to their faces.”

Darryl suffers from primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) - a rare genetic disorder which means he has to spend at least eight weeks a year in hospital.

PCD affects tiny, hairlike structures that line the airways and causes bacteria to remain - leading to breathing problems, infections and other disorders. Darryl’s mum and dad, Debbie and Andrew, were unaware they are both carriers of the PCD gene.

The couple have eight other children and Tyler, nine, also suffers from the condition.

“I know what it is like to spend Easter in hospital,” said Darryl.

“So I thought this would be nice for them and something to cheer them up.”

Marianne Lyons, 34, an A&E nurse who bought a signed Boro shirt at Darren's auction, and Nursery nurse Jan Murphy, and Darryl's girlfriend Demi Nettleton, 19

The Easter-themed fundraiser is the latest in a string of charitable events Darryl has done for the ward.

He initially embarked on his mission as a way to say thank you for the care he received there as a child as he is now treated on adults’ wards.

Last year, Darryl raised more than £3,500 for the ward and bought a host of toys and other necessary equipment for poorly youngsters.

“Since I was diagnosed I have been going in and out of hospital for regular treatment - I go to James Cook every three months for two weeks at a time. I am also on medication 365 days a year,” said Darryl.

“This is my way of saying thank you.”

“I am determined to carry on fundraising,” he added.

“I have something big in the pipeline for another charity. It is just something I really enjoy doing.”

Speaking previously, Cathy Brammer, clinical matron for neonates, children and young people, said how grateful the hospital was for what Darryl has, and continues to do.

She said: “We are very grateful to Darryl for supporting the ward and future young patients with his fundraising efforts on our behalf and would like to thank him for his help.”

Banned motorist given one-year prison sentence after high-speed chase that was aborted near school

A high-speed police chase was called off as a speeding motorist headed towards a school.

Christopher Millward sped up to 90mph as he fled police - at one point swinging on to a terrified woman’s driveway, Teesside Crown Court heard.

A PC thought he recognised the passenger in Millward’s Skoda Octavia as a wanted man on Seaton Carew Road.

Banned motorist Millward, 36, accelerated away from the marked police car and overtook several vehicles, said prosecutor David Crook.

He travelled up to 70mph in a 30mph zone on Port Clarence Road, then on to Haverton Hill Road, Hope Street and Cowpen Bewley Road.

He sped up to 90mph on the 60mph road, sometimes on the wrong side of the road at 2pm on September 16 last year.

He narrowly missed a tree as he took a tight bend too fast, and drove over a grassed area.

He drove on to Wolviston Back Lane and crossed a level crossing with all four wheels off the road, the court was told today.

The police pursuit was aborted as Millward headed towards a school, before he stopped and was arrested on Low Grange Avenue, Billingham.

A member of the public was walking when she saw the car going “so fast that the driver was unable to keep the car on the right side of the road”.

The Octavia swung around and came up on to the footpath and entered her driveway.

“She really feared that the vehicle was going to hit her,” added Mr Crook.

Fortunately no one was hurt during the escapade.

Millward, of Leinster Road, Ayresome, Middlesbrough, admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and having no insurance.

His 35 previous offences included dangerous driving, though no such offences for 10 years.

He was on licence at the time from a three-year jail term for wounding with intent, and has been recalled to prison to complete the sentence.

Peter Makepeace, defending, said: “Happily the damage was limited only to relatively minor damage to the vehicle and the driver himself.

“There were no other vehicles inconvenienced by the driving.

“That is always a matter of fortune rather than planning.”

He said Millward was expecting his first child in July - and the prospect of becoming a dad was bringing about positive changes in him.

His mother talked of a “considerable change in responsibility and maturity” because of the expected birth of the baby.

“He speaks about this giving him the greatest incentive he has yet had to avoid coming back before court,” added Mr Makepeace.

Judge Howard Crowson said the driving risked harm to others, telling Millward: “It’s really about time you did make a positive change.”

He jailed Millward for a year, overlapping with his existing sentence, and banned him from driving for 18 months.

Combat Challenge North East back at Grangetown's Akurei Martial Arts and Fitness Centre

Grangetown's Akurei Martial Arts and Fitness Centre stage their second Combat Challenge North East show at fabled fight sport venue Hartlepool Borough Hall on Saturday night.

The iconic Headland setting has hosted a string of big-time fight events, and British, European and world title fights involving Hartlepool’s favourite fighting son Michael Hunter.

And with mixed martial arts (MMA) is sky-rocketing in popularity - and following the success of their nine-bout debut event at the Borough Hall in October - Combat Challenge North East are back this weekend with an 11-fight bill.

Two professional bouts headline the event, featuring Hartlepool’s experienced Ash Griffith and Middlesbrough prospect Harry Hardwick.

Lightweight Griffith’s opponent Kieran Malone is from the highly-regarded Dinky Ninjas camp in Glasgow and holds an advantage in MMA miles, as well as boasting strong wrestling credentials.

But Griffith has had more than 60 contests in a variety of disciplines including boxing and K-1 rules kickboxing, and will have the Hartlepool crowd behind him.

Life-long martial artist Hardwick is trained by former Cage Rage lightweight champion Abdul Mohamed at Middlesbrough Fight Academy and is coming off an impressive armbar submission win against Michael Corbett at Made 4 The Cage 16 in February.

The 20-year-old bantamweight - whose younger brother George is also considered a hot MMA prospect - will be trying to kick off his professional career in style in a Tees-Wear derby against Sunderland’s Chris Telford.

The rest of the bill has major Teesside interest as well with Middlesbrough’s James Donnelly and Thornaby’s Kieran Lister fighting for amateur welterweight and lightweight titles, against Hartlepool’s Brad Nelson and Shaun Luther from Weston-super-Mare.

Undefeated Akurei MMA duo Matty Batty and Alex Welby, their debuting teammate Adam Todd and Middlesbrough Fight Academy’s Mansoor Sidiq are the other Teesside-area fighters who will be stepping into the cage.

Advance discount tickets are £25 with booking fee, and VIP balcony seats with waitress bar service are £40.

Event organisers Akurei Martial Arts are also promoting a K-1 rules kickboxing show at The Venue on Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough on Saturday, July 11.

Headlining the show will be Paul Venis in a heavyweight clash against five-time Bosnian champion Elmin Zivcic.

Venis won a recent four-man tournament in Newcastle.