MIDDLESBROUGH’S eight match winning came at the Riverside came to an end at the hands of league leaders Fulham.

Aleksander Mitrovic’s second half header was the difference between the two side on a night which saw Boro drop out of the play-offs.

Digital Sports Writer Matty Jones was watching the game and scored the players performances…

BORO XI:

6 Lumley – Distribution was okay from the back and kept out Fulham’s chance. Not a lot he could do about Mitrovic’s header.

8 Dijksteel - Was brilliant at bringing the ball out of the back and barely put a foot wrong when defending. Great performance.

7 Fry – Largely did everything right tonight against Mitrovic barring a split second where he was caught for the goal.

7 McNair – His influence in attack grew in the second half. In defence, he was caught once on the left in the opening minute and it never happened again.

6 Peltier – Did well going up and doing but was withdrawn early in the second half with Boro needing to change the game.

6 Taylor – Similar to Peltier, was steady away down the left hand side. Was also brought off early doors in the second half.

7 Howson – Marshalled the base of the midfield really well and managed to handle the skiddy surface which made things difficult in the second half.

6 Crooks – Was unlucky with a chance in the first half that was deflected over. However, he conceded the free-kick that led to the goal.

8 Tavernier – Another top performance. Even when he switched to wing back, he was looking to make things happen.

7 Sporar – Had a few chances he should have done better with but another frustrating goalless night for the Slovenian.

6 Watmore – Ran himself into the ground for the team but failed to have enough impact. Missed a big chance in stoppage time.

Subs:

7 Bola 56’ – Was just what Boro needed when he came on. Gave them a new lease of attack on the left. Laid on two great chances they should have scored.

6 McGree 60’ – Another player who tried to make a difference in the second half. Made a few neat passes in attack.

6 Coburn 76’ – He should have scored from Bola’s cross to level the game late on. He couldn’t quite find the impact off the bench that he has done.

Subs not used: Daniels, Bamba, Balogun, Connolly

FULHAM XI: Rodak 6; Tete 7, Ream 8, Tosin 6, Bryan 7 (Robinson 82’); Chalobah 6 (Onomah 64’), Reed 6; Wilson 8, Decordova-Reid 6 (Kebano 64’), Carvalho 7; Mitrovic 8

Subs: Gazzaniga, Hector, Muniz, Seri,

Man of the Match: Aleksander Mitrovic – It was a close call but ultimately, the match winner gets the nod.