7 Steffen: Good first half save to deny Slater. Assist for the second goal.

5 Smith: Struggled to settle in the first half as Hull asked questions of Boro. Forced off at half-time with injury.

6 McNair: Troubled at times by Hull’s speed and movement in the first half. Did his best to remain composed.

6 Lenihan: Struggled to get a grip in the first half but assured and dominant after the break.

6 Giles: Nervy defensive moments in first half. Couple of teasing deliveries.

7 Howson: Struggled in the first half but helped Boro regain control after the break and very calm when slotted in at centre-back.

6 Mowatt: Deserved his start after Norwich performance. Game passed him by in first half but improved after the break.

6 Forss: Went close to the opener with a low strike that forced a good save from Darlow.

8 Akpom: Quiet in the first half, brilliant in the second. Started move for the first goal, scored the third and could have had one or two more.

8 Hackney: Outstanding after the break. Scored the equaliser and was at the heart of a lot of Boro’s good play.

8 Archer: Hull couldn’t cope with his movement in the second half. Made a nuisance of himself for the goal.

Substitutes:

Dijksteel (for Smith, 46): Really impressive showing from the bench. Linked up superbly with Jones. Boro won the game down the right flank. 8

Jones (for Forss, 46): Unplayable from the bench. Two assists – and could have had one or two more. 9

Crooks (for McNair, 69): Went close to scoring late on. 6

Barlaser (for Mowatt, 82) N/A

Subs not used: Roberts, Bola, Crooks

Hull: Darlow 6, Elder 6, Greaves 5, McLoughlin 5, Coyle 6 (c), Seri 6 (Docherty 73), Slater 6, Vaughan 6 (Tufan 65), Pelkas 7 (Simons, 85), Traore 7 (Woods, 84), Allahyar 7 (Longman, 73)

Subs not used: Ingram, A Taylor

Man of the Match: Isaiah Jones. Back to last season’s best. A stunning showing from the bench.