Goals:
1-0: Assombalonga (25, despite almost falling over, he tapped in Fletcher’s low delivery into the six yard box)
Referee: Robert Jones (Chester) – had a decent enough game except there is no doubt he should have given a penalty for Howson’s pull on Campbell. 5
Bookings: Henriksen (34, foul); Clayton (90, foul)
Attendance: 22,427
Entertainment: **
Boro Hull
Shots on 4 1
Shots off 9 7
Corners 4 3
Offsides 2 3
Fouls 4 7
MIDDLESBROUGH (3-4-2-1):
8 RANDOLPH: His finger tip save to deny Grosicki in the dying seconds deserved to win the game for Boro after another strong display between the posts;
6 Ayala: Had defended well before a clash of heads with Campbell forced him off before the hour mark
7 Flint: Might have missed a first half chance but then defended strongly to help keep the Tigers at bay
7 Fry: Did well to keep the threat of Bowen at bay and managed to head away numerous balls in his direction
7 Shotton: Stuck to the difficult task of containing the threat of Grosicki and did well when switched inside;
6 Mikel: Not as effective as he can be on the ball but still looked a calming influence at times
6 Besic: Gave the ball away a couple of times early on but did show plenty of drive when in possession
7 Howson: Never stopped running again and regardless of his position he helped the team, even if he got away with a penalty shout
6 Saville: Kept going in a defensive sense while also getting involved in the final third, although could have done more
6 Fletcher: Lively enough and teed up the opening goal, but he wasted a couple of fantastic chances
6 Assombalonga: Put the yards in and struck the goal even if he could and should have added to his tally
Subs:
Clayton (for Ayala 61): Did what he could to ensure Ayala wasn’t missed. 6
Tavernier (for Fletcher 79)
Downing (for Besic 79)
(not used): Konstantopoulos (gk), Hugill, McNair, Gestede.
HULL CITY (4-5-1): Marshall 7; Kane 6 (Goebel 77), Burke 5, de Wijs 6 (Batty 87), Lichaj 5; Bowen 7, Henriksen 6, Pugh 6 (Martin 65, 5), Irvine 7, GROSICKI 8; Campbell 6. Subs (not used): Long (gk), Stewart, McKenzie, Ridgewell.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Darren Randolph - has proven his worth this season to Boro and did it again.
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