How did the players fare in Middlesbrough's 2-0 win over Bolton?
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-1-3-2):
6 Randolph: Barely had a shot to save, but controlled his area well and dealt with everything that came his way
6 Shotton: Played as a right winger on occasion, but undid some of his good work with some poor deliveries into the box
7 Flint: Defensively solid throughout and came close to scoring on a number of occasions as he threatened in the second half
7 Ayala: A typically resolute display from the Spaniard, who is equally at home playing in a back four or a five
7 Friend: Played as an orthodox left-back instead of a wing-back and made a series of surges down the flank – hit the post in the second half
6 Clayton: Held things together at the base of midfield and ensured Bolton’s midfielders saw very little of the ball
6 Howson: Stationed on the right-hand side, but tucked in to enable Shotton to break – worked away diligently throughout
8 SAVILLE: Made the difference on his first Boro start - scored the opening goal and linked midfield and attack extremely effectively
6 Downing: Delivered some useful balls into the box, and retained possession neatly as Boro enjoyed the upper hand
8 Braithwaite: Showed no ill effects from his failed transfer request and came close with a first-half shot that whistled over
6 Hugill: Might have had a first-half penalty, but failed to find the target with a couple of headers on his first league start
Subs:
McQueen (for Downing, 74)
Assombalonga (for Braithwaite, 76)
Besic (for Saville, 78)
(not used): Konstantopoulos (gk), Batth, Fry, McNair.
BOLTON (5-4-1):
Alnwick 6; Olkowski 6, BEEVERS 7, Wheater 6, Hobbs 6 (Wilson 32, 5), Grounds 6 (Wildschut 78); Williams 5, O’Neil 4, Lowe 4, Magennis 5; Vela 4 (Oztumer 65, 4).
Subs (not used): Matthews (gk), Little, Noone, Donaldson.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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