So it went that Jeremie Aliadiere not only furtively recuperated enough to not only make the squad for Scunthorpe, but actually start up front w/ Leroy Lita…and earn the penalty leading to the first goal…and prod home a fluky finish right after half time to effectively secure all 3 points in a 3-0 Boxing Day triumph. Gordon Strachan breaks his home duck, staying measured during the post-match interview; when asked initial impressions by Mark Drury, the words were ‘disappointed’ and ‘disbelief’. Disappointed for Emanuel Pogatetz – who hobbled off the pitch during the last quarter of the match w/ an apparent hamstring injury. Disbelief over the actions of Leroy Lita – especially cantankerous at times during the match, notably after Rhys Williams failed to pick him out in prime scoring position shortly after the break. It culminated in the 88^th minute when he was inexplicably sent off for what was initially reported as ‘foul and abusive language’ – Gary O’Neil elucidated in his MOM interview…he threw punch at a Scunthorpe player – Andrew Wright – for a charge of violent conduct. Terrific timing for an extended suspension considering the loan deals for Bent/Kitson are expiring, and there’s real possibility that Aliadiere could be sold – an immediate financial return on a timely brave and attacking display?

The live blog was operational – barely – for a full 30 mins or so before taking an early siesta. We relied on the rhythm and flow of Ali GG – booyakasha!!

• Bright introduction and welcome for Danny Coyne – back in the side after being yanked following the West Brom thrashing – Brad Jones not even in the squad
• No Gary Hooper for Scunny – scores big goals for them – 7 so far this term
• Boro really should be 2-0 after three minutes – Leroy Lita beat the keeper and the goal with a wayward shot – Isaiah Osbourne comes right back and whacks the post
• The penalty? It was definitely a foul – the sending off was harsh though -  Johnno dispatches expertly
• 1^st goal scored on Boxing Day since 2003???
• Santa delivered some confidence for the squad and atmosphere for the ground
• Danny Coyne receives another ovation for commanding a ball resultant a poor Scunthorpe corner – how can Brad Jones ever play for this club again?
• Incredulity in officiating – linesman and referee not linking up – major communication gaps
• Major assault launched in the last 10 minutes of the half – Lita and Johnno smack the post and crossbar respectively – Macca chips the frame with an audacious left footed blast – Rhys Williams finishes the incursion – sweeping finish at the near post at the very edge of stoppage time
• Gary Gill says ‘gamble…believe!!’
• Strachan reportedly bemoaning the lack of concentration from his central midfield pair
• Right after the break Boro maintain their attacking edge – LL dummies an incisive ball down the middle for JA to run onto…his touch is decent enough, and the ball spins towards the far post, off it, and across the line…3-0
• More encouragement from GG: maintain the focus, enjoy your football, restore some confidence, win supporters back
• Scunthorpe left back Marcus Williams – impressive – it’s not his zone of the pitch being exploited by Boro
• Pogi comes up lame – hamstring? Ref orders him off – the subsequent substitution for Chris Riggott took some time – Riggott back after 9 months off – knee injured @ Man City in February 2009
• Closing in on another Boxing Day landmark: 1^st win on it since 2002 – beat Manchester United 3-1…Alen Boksic w/ the winner…
• Lita loses it – sees a straight red – BBC labels it for ‘foul and abusive language’
• GG MOM – GON
• Final words from Mark Drury, with Gary O’Neil – disappointed they didn’t convert more golden chances – must punish sides – LL threw a punch ostensibly…

There is no time to breathe – Barnsley Monday, 3p @ Oakwell – a strong away crowd is expected as Boro have exhausted their original allocation of tix…one more Christmas treat?