Birkenhead fight back to beat Boro.

Byline: ANDREW STRATTON

Birkenhead Park ... 19 Middlesbrough ..... 14 BIRKENHEAD overturned a 0-14 half time deficit to inflict only a second defeat of the season on Middlesbrough in National Three North League.

There was little doubt they deserved their sixth win of the campaign. They dominated for long periods but very nearly paid dearly for their own indiscretions.

It was not until the 77th minute Park got their noses in front for the first time with a Dave Hall penalty. Borough then had a big opportunity to tip the balance three minutes later but wasted an easy kick before Hall struck again in added time.

Callum Campbell landed three penalties for Middlesborough in the first half hour before Rich Barker grabbed a corner try after Park gave away possession.

It was a fired up home side which began the second period. Hall kicked a penalty and then solid pressure culminated in a try wide out for Martin O'Keefe with Hall adding the goal.

Park refused to ease up despite having Ben Shepherd serving time in the bin and another Hall penalty closed the gap to a single point. No sooner had Shepherd returned than sub Dan Palmer was yellow carded but the fourteen men stuck to their task for a great victory. It was a terrific all round team performance with Steve Lowry and Tony Handley particularly influential.