How did the players fare in Middlesbrough's 2-0 win over Barnsley?
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2):
6 Lumley: Made two or three routine saves and gathered a couple of crosses, but was almost punished after he spilled Woodrow’s low shot
7 Howson: Was reshuffled again to right-back and turned in a characteristically reliable and solid display as part of the backline
7 Bamba: Another fine display from the veteran centre-half, capped by a superb second-half sliding tackle on Iseka that was perfectly timed
8 McNair: Kept Barnsley’s forwards quiet for the most part, and was involved in delivering the balls into the heart of the penalty area for both goals
7 Peltier: Returned to the side at left-back and proved his defensive value with an effective performance
6 Tavernier: Got himself into good positions in and around the 18-yard box, but was guilty of poor choices on a couple of occasions when his team-mates were better placed
8 CROOKS: Was constantly driving forward from his position at the base of midfield and got his reward with his headed goal in the closing stages
7 Payero: Displayed some neat touches for the second game in a row and stung Collins’ hands with a fierce second-half strike - is definitely heading in the right direction
7 Jones: Caused problems with his pace and direct running as he returned to the starting side and threaded a couple of fine balls behind the Barnsley defence
6 Watmore: Much of his performance was creditable – but he will be having nightmares about the open-goal miss that left him with his head in his hands
7 Sporar: Claimed his second Boro goal with a clinical first-half header and was a constant threat before he was forced off with an adductor issue initially sustained on international duty
Subs:
6 Ikpeazu (for Sporar, 65): Proved a handful as he threw himself around in the closing stages of the game
Hernandez (for Watmore, 85)
Lea-Siliki (for Crooks, 90)
(not used): Daniels (gk), Kokolo, Olusanya, Coburn.
BARNSLEY (3-4-3):
Collins 5; Styles 5 (Palmer 61, 4), Helik 4, Moon 4; Brittain 5, Hondermarck 4 (Oulare 76), Gomes 5 J Williams 4; Odour 5, WOODROW 6, Iseka 4 (Adeboyejo 71).
Subs (not used): Walton (gk), B Williams, Vita, Frieser.
Man Of The Match: MATT CROOKS – The midfielder is clearly relishing the extra midfield responsibility he has been saddled with, and capped a fine display with an excellent late header.
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