Here's how Middlesbrough players rated in the 3-1 win over QPR:
6 Steffen: Made a couple of good first half catches but almost played Boro into trouble with one wayward pass in second half and caught out for the goal.
7 Smith: No fuss. As solid as ever.
7 McNair: Excellent block late in the first half. Crucial moment in the game.
7 Lenihan: Captain for the day. Led by example at the back with assured display.
7 Giles: Almost scored direct with a free-kick late in first half. A threat down the left.
7 Barlaser: A touch rusty in the first half, understandably, but excellent after the break. Created first goal and was at the heart of a lot of Boro’s good play.
7 Hackney: Took heavy early knock but recovered with another assured and mature midfield display.
7 Ramsey: Boro’s brightest in the first half. Fast, direct, offers something different in attack.
8 Akpom: Goals win games, and his brace put Boro in complete control. Fine header to set Boro on their way.
8 McGree: Pulled the strings for Boro in the second half. Deserved his goal.
7 Archer: Tireless in the first half but it didn’t fall for him. Played key role as Boro came to life after the break.
Subs:
Crooks (for Archer, 78): N/A
Howson (for Ramsey, 78): N/A
Mowatt (for Barlaser, 88)
Bola (for Hackney, 90+)
Subs not used: Roberts, Fry, Forss,
QPR: Dieng 7, Kakay 6, Dickie 6, Dunne 6, Paal 6, Field 6, Dozzell 6 (Adomah, 69), Iroegbunam 6; Lowe 6, Chair 6, Martin 6
Subs: Archer, Johansen, Dixon-Bonner, Gubbins, Drewe, Aoraha
Man of the match: Riley McGree. Terrific after the break and inspired Boro to another crucial win.
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