I feel a massive shock we could very well soon see,
When the Boro, at home, take on the massive Chelsea,
Twenty years to the day since the club’s darkest hour,
During which time we certainly have seen the team flower.

It was 1986 when the fans were totally shocked,
The bailiffs called and Ayresome Park’s gates were finally locked,
“Liquidation’s Threatened,” was the notice on the poster,
But since then, one could say, it’s been a marvellous roller-coaster.

Could this be ‘Payback Time’ for Chelsea, for last February’s drubbing?
Or will the fired-up Boro fans once again their hands be rubbing?
The whistle’s finally sounded and the show is on the road,
Is another night of fireworks once more ready to explode?

Boro started off with confidence and were never overawed,
There were roars around the Riverside, as Riggott almost scored,
Yakubu should have netted from a wondrous cross from Downing,
The goal was at his mercy but he left the fans all frowning.

Then Chelsea took the lead, much against the run of play,
With Davies caught ball-watching, we were quickly made to pay,
Shevchenko was the scorer, his first - I’m sure – of many,
But you do get what you pay for, and he cost a pretty penny.

He almost got a second, from a free kick quite sublime,
But Schwarzer proved again that he is really in his prime,
He ‘flew’ across the goal, showing great agility,
Displaying once again to all, astonishing ability.

Boro played at such a tempo and were totally committed,
There was just that one occasion when young Davies was outwitted,
The goal was disappointing: we’d had Chelsea on the ropes,
But, with 45 minutes left, I maintain the highest hopes.

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Drogba came out late, with the game, by now, re-started,
And he promptly fouled Stew Downing, as down the wing he darted,
He’d come on without permission and he must have felt a fool,
After being shown a yellow then the ref. explained the rule.

Cattermole replaced young Davies, who looked totally non-plussed!
He shook his head in disbelief, but I wonder if he cussed?
Then the turbo-charged Shevchenko put a great ball into space,
And Lampard rocked the bar but, from Shevchenko, what great pace!

Despite the Boro’s possession, Cudicini’s not been troubled,
And it’s looking ever likely that Chelsea’s lead might soon be doubled,
Even though, in general, they’ve not set the world alight,
Then Yakubu missed a sitter, much to Chelsea’s great delight.

He had ‘time to take the lace out,’ and he can’t believe he missed,
But things are looking brighter and I remain an optimist,
Even though he’d two more chances, each of which he spurned,
A goal is getting closer and the corner’s almost turned.

Viduka’s on for Mendi, who went off to great applause,
Then a penalty was refused and that brought the deafening roars,
Carvalho pulled the Yak’s shirt and I thought that was unlawful,
But the referee said, “No,” a decision simply awful.

With Chelsea hanging by a thread, the Boro upped the pressure,
The visitors now look worried and the Boro appear the fresher,
Jose’s looking rattled and his face is getting redder,
And suddenly it’s 1 – 1 with Pogatetz’s thumping header.

What a great relief for Boro though no-one was taking bets,
That the awesome goal would fly in from the head of Pogatetz,
Full credit to the scorer, though Jose will soon be barking,
When he has another look at the truly awful marking.

There were many nervous moments, at both ends of the pitch,
Three terrific blocks by Schwarzer caused most Boro fans to twitch,
Then the Riverside erupted and I was biting on my pen,
The ‘Comeback Kids’ of Boro had done it once again.

Downing was again involved, and cleverly picked out Yak,
He spotted Mark Viduka and played a short ball back,
Although the Aussie’s strike got a very slight deflection,
It meant great joy for Boro and, for Jose, great dejection.

What character the Boro showed and genuine Teesside steel?
In defeat Jose was gracious and this time he didn’t squeal,
Let’s hope this great revival means our confidence will ooze,
As Chelsea travel southwards to their own version of, “The Blues.”

It’s been a massive night for Teesside and Pogatetz was a colossus,
Winning plaudits from his colleagues, all the fans and Boro bosses,
This really spirited display had the fans ‘intoxicated,’
As they make their way back home, overjoyed, exhilarated.

Not having seen a weak link, they can be justifiably proud,
Once more we’ve beaten Chelsea so let us shout it long and loud,
We’d surpassed my expectations under Boro’s new regime,
But am I really wide-awake, or was it all a lovely dream?