MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1):
6 Randolph: Made a couple of decent saves in the second half, but was almost caught out by a first-half mix-up with Fry
7 Shotton: Continues to provide solidity and consistency down the right-hand side, and is clearly a Pulis favourite
7 Ayala: Led the line effectively in the absence of illness victim Gibson and dominated Campbell in the air
6 Fry: Received a late call-up after Gibson pulled out in the warm-up and fared well enough on his first league start since September
7 Friend: Produced another energetic display that combined solid defence with an attacking threat on the overlap
6 Leadbitter: Held things together neatly at the base of midfield, and ensured Hull’s midfielders were never able to enjoy time on the ball
7 Besic: Provided some thrust and energy at the heart of midfield, and came close with a sharp second-half effort after a dribble in the box
9 TRAORE: At the heart of all of Boro’s best moves, helping set up both of Gestede’s goals and sending the Hull defence dizzy
7 Downing: Saw plenty of the ball as he helped knit the play between midfield and attack and linked neatly with Bamford
7 Bamford: Claimed his first goal since December with a deft chipped finish and was keen to get on the ball throughout
8 Gestede: His confidence came flooding back as he scored with a neat close-range header and a deft back-heel
Subs:
5 Clayton (for Besic, 66): Didn’t have to exert himself too much to ensure Boro remained in control of the game
Howson (for Bamford, 71)
Cranie (for Downing, 83)
(not used): Konstantopoulos (gk), Baker, Harrison, Assombalonga.
HULL (5-4-1):
McGregor 5; Tomori 4 (Diomande 76), MacDonald 4, Dawson 4, Hector 4, Aina 4; Toral 5 (Grosicki 66, 5), Irvine 4, EVANDRO 6, Keane 5; Campbell 4.
Subs (not used): Marshall (gk), Clark, Stewart, Meyler, Dicko.
Man Of The Match: ADAMA TRAORE – The Middlesbrough winger gets better with every week that passes – his pace and trickery was much too good for the Hull defence.
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