How did the players fare in Middlesbrough's 1-0 win over Reading?


MIDDLESBROUGH (4-1-4-1):

9 RANDOLPH: Made three sensational late saves to keep his side in front, the pick of which saw him claw Moore’s goal-bound header around the post

7 Dijksteel: Looks to be settling in after a difficult start to his Boro career – made some important challenges in the second half

8 Fry: Has made a big difference since returning to the team – produced a superb first-half challenge to deny Meite in the box

7 Shotton: Threw himself in the way of a succession of Reading shots and helped hold things together in the frantic closing stages

6 Bola: His positioning remains a concern, but he gets forward effectively and is an energetic presence on the left-hand side

6 Clayton: Did his usual job of protecting the Boro back four, but was perhaps fortunate to avoid censure for his stray elbow in the first half

7 Johnson: There was a big slice of luck to his first goal for more than a year, but he played with purpose throughout

7 Wing: Had to dig in and prove he could cope with the ugly side of the game, and passed the test with flying colours

8 McNair: Was the best outfield player on the pitch, with his drive and energy forcing his opponents onto the back foot

6 Fletcher: Had one of his quieter games, but still caused the occasional problem as he cut in from his position on the left

6 Assombalonga: Didn’t have a lot of opportunities in the final third, but his effort that was flagged offside should have stood


Subs:

6 Ayala (for Bola, 68): Came on as Woodgate switched to a five-man defence and helped repel Reading’s late attacks

Saville (for Wing, 86)

Tavernier (for Johnson, 90)

(not used): Pears (gk), Malley, Browne, Walker.


READING (5-3-2):

Cabral 6; Yiadom 6, Morrison 5, Moore 6, McIntyre 5 (Joao 66, 6), Richards 4; SWIFT 7, Rinomhota 5 (Puscas 66, 5), Ejaria 6; Boye 5 (Loader 83), Meite 6.

Subs (not used): Virginia (gk), Blackett, Adam, Gomes.


Man Of The Match: DARREN RANDOLPH – The Irishman was the best goalkeeper in the Championship last season, and has raised his standards even higher in the opening six weeks of the current campaign.