Boro hit Sparta for six

Southgate's men come from behind to sink Dutchmen

Last updated: 8th August 2008

Gareth Southgate ITV

Southgate: Comfortable victory

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Middlesbrough ended their pre-season friendlies with a resounding 6-1 demolition of Sparta Rotterdam.

The Dutch side took the lead through Arnold Slot, but Boro hit back through an Afonso Alves double and goals from Jeremie Aliadiere, Josh Walker, Stewart Downing and Rhys Williams.

Slot opened the scoring after only two minutes as the Sparta man took advantage of a mistake at the back to fire past Ross Turnbull.

However, Gareth Southgate's side were soon back on level terms as Alves netted three minutes later following good work from summer signing Didier Digard.

Aliadiere then fired Boro in front on eight minutes and Walker drilled home a third five minutes later.

Brazilian striker Alves hit his second of the night after 15 minutes and England international Downing added a fifth shortly after the half-hour.

Three minutes after the interval Wales Under 21 international Williams ended the scoring with the best goal of the night as he smashed in from 25 yards.