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.