MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2):
5 Randolph: Didn’t have a chance with the penalty, but almost conceded a sloppy opener when his kick was charged down
6 Christie: One of Boro’s better players as he tried to get forward down the right-hand side and put Cardiff on the back foot
4 Ayala: Looked a bag of nerves for most of the afternoon, passing the ball into touch and looking uncomfortable in possession
5 Gibson: Never really got on top of Ward, and struggled to make a telling pass as he looked to play the ball from the back
5 Fabio: Wasted some decent crossing positions with over-hit balls – is he really a better bet than Friend, who has been axed?
7 Downing: Boro’s brightest creative presence for the second game in a row – constantly looked to get on the ball
7 LEADBITTER: Was the driving force at the heart of midfield and couldn’t be blamed for the final result – tried to lead by example
5 Howson: Got the nod ahead of Clayton in central midfield, but was anonymous when it came to trying to provide an attacking threat
6 Braithwaite: Stationed in a wide-left role that doesn’t really play to his strengths, but tested Etheridge with a second-half volley
3 Fletcher: A major disappointment as he repeatedly gave the ball away in the face of some physical Cardiff defending
5 Assombalonga: Barely had a chance in front of goal, although came close with a first-half effort that flashed wide
Subs:
4 Bamford (for Fletcher, 67): Couldn’t stay on his feet when a late counter-attack looked on, but is likely to return to the starting side tomorrow
Traore (for Downing, 78)
(not used): Konstantopoulos (gk), Friend, Fry, Clayton, Johnson.
CARDIFF (3-4-3):
Etheridge 6; Morrison 7, BAMBA 8, Manga 7; Peltier 6, Ralls 6, Bryson 5, Bennett 7; Mendez-Laing 7 (Paterson 89), Ward 7 (Bogle 89), Hoilett 7.
Subs (not used): Murphy (gk), Halford, Feeney, Damour, Tomlin.
Man Of The Match: SOL BAMBA – The Cardiff centre-half was a towering presence all afternoon – dominated at the back and had a shot cleared off the line.
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