How did the players fare in Middlesbrough's 1-0 defeat at Cardiff City?


CARDIFF CITY (4-3-3):

Smithies 7; Peltier 6, Morrison 6, Flint 6, Bennett 6; Bacuna 7, Ralls 6, Paterson 6; Murphy 5 (Hoilett 46, 6), Bogle 6 (Ward 66, 6), WHYTE 7.

Subs (not used): Etheridge (gk), Vaulks, Nelson, Tomlin, Mendez-Laing.


MIDDLESBROUGH (3-5-2):

6 Randolph: Helpless to prevent the own goal, but did well to deny Flint’s header and was enough of a presence when Cardiff’s shooting was wayward

7 Shotton: Mostly held Cardiff’s front line in check and headed down an inviting ball that Saville blasted over

6 Ayala: Some strong challenges and calm in possession, but unable to inspire a late assault in the dying moments

5 Fry: Caught out of position on a couple of occasions and found the pace of Murphy difficult to handle

4 Dijksteel: Had an early shot blocked, but too easily beaten by Murphy on the flank and lucky not to give away a penalty

6 McNair: Hit an awful early shot well wide before his energy at least stood him above the fray

5 Clayton: Worked hard, but to little effect and unable to provide the service his front two were craving

6 Saville: Set up McNair for a shot early on, but faded quickly until he blasted over from Shotton’s knock-down

4 Johnson: Not a major influence, until he was fortunate to escape a penalty for a push on Whyte

5 Assombalonga: Linked neatly with Fletcher early on, but faded as an attacking threat and lucky not to get hooked

5 Fletcher: Poor defensive body position at the corner led to own goal, but his response at least was industrious if not very effective


Subs:

Browne (for Saville, 73)

Wing (for Clayton, 78)

Tavernier (for Johnson, 80)

(not used): Pears (gk), Howson, Bola, Walker.


Man of the Match: GAVIN WHYTE – His pace, directness and trickery gave Boro an uncomfortable afternoon, even if his final ball was often wayward.