Middlesbrough 1 Peterborough 0

Feb 15 2010 by Kevin Dinsdale, The Journal

IT is a name that remains wonderfully evocative on Teesside, and the presence of a Robson on the scoresheet added a dash of credibility to the feeling that Middlesbrough are finally emerging from their nuclear winter.

On the day that chairman Steve Gibson was anointed patron of Sir Bobby’s charitable fund, it was appropriate that Robson was the name on everyone’s lips as Boro stretched their unbeaten league run to a quietly impressive seven games.

Barry Robson’s goal was a good one – a lung-busting sprint to carry him into the box before hammering a decisive finish past Joe Lewis.

But it is the authority and determination that he has delivered to Boro’s midfield that prompted comparisons with the revered Bryan, who achieved unprecedented success during seven memorable years at the Riverside.

If the ex-Celtic man goes on to achieve even a fraction of the success that Captain Marvel enjoyed, he will have proved an inspired signing by Gordon Strachan.

They are giant boots to fill but on first impressions Robson, the 2010 version at least, has added the sort of steel and certainty missing for years.

His goal settled the game but it was the endeavour and effort he summoned during a disturbingly lackadaisical second half that caught the eye. The presence of that kind of steady hand is what Boro have been missing during their mid-winter turmoil.

In truth, that inner strength was needed to carry faltering the Teessiders, who grew tense and edgy after failing to capitalise on a bright start against a paltry Peterborough side.