I choose this game as it typifies Saints Character and demonstrates the clubs ability to compete with the best in the Premiership confirming their right to be in the top flight. Boro were a transformed side from `also-rans` to now a glamorous big spending set-up boasting a new ground and world class players such as Fabrizio Ravanelli (£7m Juventus), Brazilians Emerson (£4m Porto), Juninho (£4.74m Soa Paulo) and Nick Barmby (£5.25m Tottenham). This was an impressive amount of talent and at the time a £20m plus spending spree in a few seasons was cynically depicted by others fans as a bid to `buy` Premiership status or even the title. Saints had mad their worst start to a season having not one a game in the last 6, in contrast to Boro who had Ravenelli looking for his third had trick of the season and sitting mid table.

My pre-match ritual of table and sports pages analysis game me heart for the game as pundits pointed a finger to Boro s` possible suspect defence, reliance an the forwards and that they may not have the staying power to last the season. That’s was the sort of boost I needed even though like many saints fans I think we can beat any team and the more glamorous the better this helped ease the nerves as I looked down the fixtures list to find Manchester United, Leeds United, Aston Villa, Derby County, and Liverpool the home games.

The day was dry and sunny the pitch was in perfect condition for those players who like the passing game and supporters who want to lap up the sunshine and be entertained. I had a seat with my friends in the upper west Stand corner of Archers Road above the corner flag and our area was soon accompanying the vociferous fans behind the goal. The Boro supporters were also in good voice as they always are and an electric atmosphere had now been created between the fans that were eager for the game to start.

Although without J Dodd, B Venison, D Beasant, A Neilson and K Monkou Saints started the game full of commitment and confidence and Maddison immediately went in hard against Juninho to give the playmaker no time on the ball, Le Tissiers` low free kick on the edge of the box forced a save from Miller set the pace of the game. Le Tissier was then called into defensive action as he cleared on the post from a Boro corner, the 6th minute saw the first chance as Ravenelli curled a 20 yard shot inches wide of the post which rightly made me nervous of this strikers potential.

A 20-yard attempt from Watson, then from Stamp in quick succession kept up the end-to-end pace of the game. Slatter had to be substituted due to injury on the 17th minute to be replaced by Heaney, Oakley moved into midfield and appeared confident in his new role. Oakley delivered a trade mark long throw to Shipperley who controlled the ball well then swivelled to blast the ball at the goal but Miller blocked but the loose ball could not be slotted home. Shipperley smartly turned Vikers only to scream his shot just above the bar with super saints now super charged and in control of a Boro side who were now out for a stroll and expecting three easy points.

Then came a moment of brilliance that I had become accustomed to at the Dell, Le Tissier sublime skills. Le Tissier danced passed 3 Boro players as he enticed them to commit themselves into tackles, le Tissier found himself almost at the corner flag seemingly boxed in by ensuing defenders. But unfazed le Tissier looked up and curled the ball towards the far top corner, which Miller superbly saved; it would have been a goal of the season. Immediately Le Tissier responded to the crowd's admiration of their clubs hero by unleashing a 30-yard drive that stung the fingers of Miller. Boro had clearly not seen the warnings of le Tissier audacity in trying the impossible. A 29th minute corner saw Le Tissier do just that, as he whipped in the ball it flew straight into the far top corner giving Miller absolutely no chance and put the saints fans in a samba mood.

Boro responded quickly as Barnby skipped passed Moss only for Ravenelli to shoot at Maddison who cleared off the line, then another attack Stamp putting the ball in the net but the ref judged that a hand was used. It was half time and Saints has put their authority on the game and made Boro look very ordinary.

Boro started the seconded half with purpose and showed some slick passing but soon to be furious of a Saints third goal. Watson on the 48th minute chipped the ball over the static Boro defence and found le Tissier in an offside position but his instincts told him to smash the ball in the net with the goal at his mercy and to the players and fans the ref signalled a goal, 3-0 to the Saints. Boro were fuming and visibly shaken to be overrun by Saints and Boro aggression led to Watson feeling the studs of Brancos` boot then the elbow of Whelan. Miller on the 63rd minute almost conceded howler of the season as he forgot he could not pick up a back pass from Whelan and had to let the ball roll through his hands and dash to the goal line to clear a certain goal.

Le Tissier, Watson and Stamp had 20 yard shots go wide as the pace continued with saints pushing ever forward and Boro counter attacking leaving the defence vulnerable. Saints sealed the game on the 82nd minute when the hard working Watson tackled Whyte on the edge of the Boro penalty area and coolly drilled the ball low inside the left hand post. Against all odds Saints had now surely won the game, but on the 84th minute a penalty was awarded to Boro as Moore collided with Lundekvan who had been solid through out the game. Ravanelli strolled up to take the penalty but lashed the ball against the bar only to see the rebound go straight into the hands of Moss. The howls of laughter and derision rang round the ground as Saints denied the Ravanelli goal machine.

This fantastic first win of the season was the catalyst to later wins against, Sunderland 3-0, Manchester United 6-3, and Derby 3-1 bringing Saints total wins to four going into the new year. The tireless running from Watson, Solid defending from Dryden and Lundekvam, the authority and aggression of Maddison, creativeness from Oakley, Shipperleys` persistency, Solid handling of Moss and Le Tissiers` Class made this team on the day unbeatable. All these players were to go on to play a major part in the Saints survival at the expense of Boro; to lose this game would have seen Saints relegated 39 points and Boro safe 40 points. In the end Saints were safe with 41 points, a share issue was on track and the new stadium had new momentum that's how important this game was and what a glorious one.

Saints 3-4-1-2

Moss, Maddison, Lundekvan, Dryden, Oakley, Magilton, Slater (17), Charlton, Le Tissier, Watson, Shipperley. Subs: Heaney (17), Watkinson for Heany (72), Potter, Benali, Flahavan.

Middlesborough 3-4-3

Miller, Whyte, Vickers, Whelan, Fleming, Stamp, Emerson, Bronco, Juninho, Ravanelli, Barmby

Subs: Moore (64), Cox (80), Hendrie, Hignett, Roberts.