How did the players fare in Middlesbrough's 2-0 win over Sheffield United?

 


MIDDLESBROUGH (3-4-1-2):

8 Lumley: Helped out his defenders by coming for a number of crosses and made a superb late save from McGoldrick

7 Peltier: Recovered from a slightly shaky start to play an increasingly important role on the right of Boro’s back three

7 Fry: Handled Sharp effectively all evening and won a number of important headers when balls were played into the box

9 BAMBA: Defended absolutely superbly as he returned to the starting side – made countless blocks in the second half

8 Tavernier: Helped spark Boro into life with a series of penetrative forward runs – came close with a couple of first-half efforts

7 Howson: Mopped up neatly at the base of the Boro midfield and ensured Sheffield United’s midfielders were snuffed out

7 McNair: Looked much more dangerous playing further up the field and took his goal superbly as he fired into the corner

8 Bola: Caused the Sheffield United defence a series of problems as he bombed forward down the left – set up Watmore’s opener

7 Crooks: Got himself into some useful positions in and around the penalty area – laid the ball off for McNair’s strike

8 Watmore: Set the tone for Boro’s performance with his relentless first-half running and excellent opening goal

7 Sporar: Made some effective breaks beyond the Sheffield United backline and came close with a second-half shot that was saved


Subs:

Ikpeazu (for Sporar, 72)

Olusanya (for Watmore, 78)

(not used): Daniels (gk), Hall, Lea-Siliki, Jones, Payero.


SHEFF UTD (4-2-3-1):

Olsen 5; Baldock 4, Davies 4, Egan 5, Stevens 4 (Norrington-Davies 69, 4); Fleck 4, Norwood 4 (McGoldrick 46, 6); Gibbs-White 5, NDIAYE 6 (Hourihane 77), Osborn 5; Sharp 4.

Subs (not used): Foderingham (gk), Basham, Brewster, McBurnie.


Man Of The Match: SOL BAMBA – Anyone questioning whether the 36-year-old deserved a contract will have been well and truly silenced by this. A towering defensive display by a player who has come through so much in order to extend his career.