Goals:

0-1: Assombalonga (51, left unmarked to volley home Jonny Howson’s cross at the far post)

1-1: Bowen (69, sent Darren Randolph the wrong way from the penalty spot after Daniel Ayala fouled Chris Martin)

Referee: Darren England (South Yorkshire) - Let the game flow whenever he could and got the penalty decision right. 7

Bookings: Hull: Irvine (37, foul), Henriksen (47, foul), Martin (64, foul), Clayton (Foul 63), Howson (81, foul)

Attendance: 13,185

Entertainment value: **

HULL (3-4-3): MARSHALL 8; Burke 6, Elphick 6, de Wijs 5 (Kingsley 33, 6); Kane 6, Henriksen 6, Irvine 6, Lichaj 6; Bowen 7, Martin 7, Grosicki 5 (Campbell 76, 6). Subs (not used); Long, Stewart, Dicko, McKenzie, Keane.

MIDDLESBROUGH (3-5-2):

7 Randolph: No chance with Hull’s penalty but did well otherwise.

6 Ayala: Naive challenge from such an experienced defender to concede the crucial penalty.

7 Flint: Solid job at the back from the defender who continues to impress

7 Friend: Operated as one of three centre-backs and didn’t let anyone down.

7 Shotton: Got forward a much as possible and always looked comfortable on the ball.

8 HOWSON: Yet more largely unheralded midfield graft from Boro’s Mr dependable.

7 Clayton: Another honest, hard-working shift from the midfielder.

6 Saville: Worked hard, but failed to put his stamp on the game

5 McQueen: Wasn’t involved enough to be satisfied with his overall contribution.

5 Hugill: Faded after a bright start and could have few complaints after being brought off.

7 Assombalonga: Took his goal well but came up with a costly miss soon after.

7 Downing (for McQueen, 76): Produced a fine cross for Howson’s late chance.

7 Besic (for Clayton, 76): Quickly got to grips with the midfield battle.

7 Braithwaite (for Hugill, 76): Had late penalty claims turned down and looked a danger.

Subs (not used}: Konstantopoulos, Batth, McNair, Fry.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jonny Howson - Kept Boro ticking over and provided a telling cross for Assombalonga’s goal.