How did the players fare in Middlesbrough's 2-2 draw with Sheffield United at the Riverside?


MIDDLESBROUGH (3-5-2):

6 Steffen: Created a few heart-in-the-mouth moments, but was always looking to be positive when it came to dealing with crosses

6 Dijksteel: Was pulled out of position on a number of occasions as Sheffield United attacked, but stuck to his task

5 Fry: Struggled to deal with the pace and movement of Ndiaye in particular in the first half and was replaced at half-time

7 Lenihan: Improved defensively as the game wore on and proved a major factor in the Blades box in the closing stages

8 Jones: Set up Boro’s first goal with a lovely slide-rule cross and was offered a constant threat down the right

7 McNair: Seemed to enjoy being moved back into midfield and delivered some effective crosses from the right

6 Howson: Struggled to deal with the pace and fluidity of Sheffield United’s attacking on occasion, but was always wanting the ball

6 McGree: Got into some decent positions in and around the Blades box, although he didn’t always take full advantage

7 Giles: Had a horrible moment as he drilled into his own net, but recovered impressively to set up Akpom’s equaliser and a late chance for Watmore

9 AKPOM: Burst back onto the scene with his first two goals in a Boro shirt for more than a year – was a real threat all afternoon

6 Forss: Was a real nuisance in the first half as he ran the Blades defence ragged, but was tiring by the time he was replaced just after the hour mark


Subs:

6 Bola (for Fry, 46): Slotted into the backline effectively and helped Boro press forward in the second half

6 Mowatt (for Forss, 61): Looked sharp as he made his Boro debut just one day after completing his loan move

Watmore (for Dijksteel, 76)

Hoppe (for Akpom, 90)

(not used): Roberts (gk), Smith, Hackney.


SHEFF UTD (3-5-2):

Foderingham 6; Ahmedhodzic 6, Egan 7, Norrington-Davies 6; Baldock 6, BERGE 8, Norwood 7, Fleck 6, Lowe 6; Sharp 6 (Brewster 46, 7), Ndiaye 7 (McBurnie 81).

Subs (not used): Amissah (gk), Khadra, Doyle, McAtee, Gordon.


Man Of The Match: CHUBA AKPOM – Middlesbrough’s forgotten man stepped out of the shadows to hugely positive effect.