How did the players fare in Middlesbrough's 2-1 win at Rotherham?
ROTHERHAM (5-3-2):
Johansson 6; Sadlier 4 (Ogbene 71), Harding 5 (Giles 75), Ihiekwe 5, MacDONALD 6, Mattock 5 (Olosunde 46, 5); Barlaser 5 (Lindsay 46, 4), Crooks 4, Wiles 6; Smith 5 (Hirst 82), Ladapo 5.
Subs (not used): Blackman (gk), Wood, Clarke, Jozefzoon.
MIDDLESBROUGH (3-4-2-1):
6 Archer: Didn’t have a lot to do, but left his line to positive effect when Rotherham threw some late balls into the box
6 McNair: Was able to push forward when Boro had the extra man and set up Akpom’s winner with a ball across the box
5 Hall: Only lasted 24 minutes before he sustained a serious head injury in the incident that resulted in Crooks’ dismissal
6 Bola: Looked perfectly happy being back in a back three – his defensive versatility has been a big asset this season
8 KEBANO: Produced his best performance in a Boro shirt as he seemed to enjoy playing at wing-back – set up Saville’s equaliser
7 Saville: Made a series of penetrative forward runs and produced a superb first-time finish to level the scores
7 Howson: Started in midfield, but still hit the crossbar on two separate occasions even though he dropped back into defence
6 Johnson: His return suggests he could still have a future at the club – made some decent breaks down the flank
7 Watmore: Buzzed around industriously in the final third, and thought he should have scored with an effort that was ruled out
8 Bolasie: Was bright and purposeful throughout and hit the crossbar with a headed effort in the first half
7 Akpom: Got the nod to play when Coulson dropped out yesterday morning and scored with a neat finish
Subs:
8 Malley (for Hall, 24): Enjoyed an excellent senior debut that oozed maturity and comfort in possession
Coburn (for Bolasie, 87)
(not used): Bettinelli (gk), Hackney, Kokolo, Robinson.
Man Of The Match: NEESKENS KEBANO – The Fulham loanee might not have had the season-changing impact he would have hoped for – but this was his best display for Boro.
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