MIDDLESBROUGH tasted defeat on the road at the hands of Queens Park Rangers. 

Boro went in three goals behind at the break through Chris Willock, Jimmy Dunne and Lyndon Dykes. A spirited second half comeback wasn't enough to muster a point as Matt Crooks and Marcus Forss replied for the away side.

Here's the ratings from today's performance in West London...

BORO XI:

5 Steffen – Fairly unconvincing performance from the American. Made a good save from distance but needs to be connecting with the punch for the second goal.

4 Dijksteel – With all three goals coming down the right hand side, Dijksteel was just as culpable as Jones. Lost his marker for the third goal and was brought of at HT.

3 Lenihan – Was part of a horror first half showing in defence and lost numerous battles with Dykes. His afternoon was capped off by a straight red card.

6 Bola – Have to give allowances for playing out of position but it was a hard afternoon on the left hand side.

4 Jones – Played his part in a spirited comeback but all three goals from QPR came from play on the right. Defensively one of his worst games.

5 Howson – Kept on going in the second half after being overloaded but tired as the game wore on. Had to make that header from Giles cross in the second half.

7 Crooks – Comes away from the game in good light. Showed the desire to power home a header and set up the second goal.

5 McGree – Not influential enough in midfield and struggled to find the pockets of space he likes to get into.

7 Giles – Showed plenty of threat down the left hand side with more brilliant deliveries into the box. Tired as the game wore on.

5 Watmore – With Chris Wilder eluding to a few fitness issues in the last few weeks, he struggled to exert his usual energetic performance.

7 Forss – Was energetic and tried to cause problems. Found himself in a good position to finish home from Matt Crooks cross.

Subs:

7 McNair 45’ – Provided some much needed energy down the right and shored things up. Delivered some great balls and was unfortunate not to get the equalising goal.

8 Akpom 45’ – Provided QPR with plenty of problems when he came on. Had to be denied by two good saves and was part of the build up for the second goal.

6 Smith 68’ – Shored things up on the right hand side and moved the ball well.

Subs not used: Roberts, Fry, Boyd-Munce, Finch

QPR XI: Dieng 7, Kakay 7, Dickie 6, Dunne 7, Johansen 7 (Dozzell 82’), Willock 8 (Adomah 74’), Amos 6, Dykes 7 (Bonne 87’), Chair 7 (Haemaelaeinen 88’), Field 6, Paal 6

Subs not used: Walsh, Masterson, Shodipo,

Man of the Match: Chris Willock – Took his goal brilliantly well and caused Boro havoc in the first half. Helped the home side see the game out.