MIDDLESBROUGH (4-1-4-1):
6 Guzan: Preferred to Konstantopoulos, but might have done better with the parry that enabled Martinez to equalise
6 Chambers: Came close with a long-range effort in the first half and always looked comfortable in defence
5 Bernardo: Suffered a shaky afternoon that saw him struggle to deal with Hemmings’ energy and movement
5 Ayala: Rarely looked comfortable as he returned to the side and was especially vulnerable in the second half
8 Fabio: Helped set up two of Boro’s goals with dangerous crosses from the left and was an influential figure all game
6 Clayton: Had a fair amount of responsibility as the only holding midfielder and responded with an effective display
7 Traore: Set up Gestede’s goal with an intelligent knock-down and produced a number of eye-catching runs
8 LEADBITTER: Restored to the side in a more attacking role than usual and responded with an excellent display full of energy and drive
7 Downing: Tested Eastwood with a couple of decent first-half efforts and looked comfortable playing infield
7 Fischer: Made some dangerous bursts into the box in the first half and set up chances for Leadbitter and Downing
7 Gestede: Opened his Middlesbrough account with a superb swivelled volley and led the line effectively throughout
Subs:
Stuani (for Traore, 71)
Ramirez (for Fischer, 71)
Negredo (for Gestede, 86)
(not used): Valdes (gk), Gibson, de Roon, Bamford.
OXFORD (4-4-1-1):
Eastwood 7; Edwards 6, Dunkley 5, Nelson 5, Johnson 6; Hall 6, Lundstram 6, Ledson 6, MAGUIRE 8; Hemmings 7 (McAleny 64, 6); Martinez 7 (Sercombe 85).
Subs (not used): Agboola (gk), Skarz, Ruffels, Rothwell, Raglan.
Man Of The Match: GRANT LEADBITTER – The returning skipper has given Aitor Karanka a major selection headache ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here