How did the players fare in Middlesbrough’s 1-0 win over Sheffield United?


MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1):

6 Dieng: Made a couple of fairly routine saves, but still had the occasional hairy moment playing out from the back

8 AYLING: Capped a fine all-round defensive display with a sensational goalline clearance in the first half

7 Van den Berg: Was always in control against the Sheffield United attack and generally used the ball well

7 Edmundson: Dominated his personal battle with the physical Moore – relished the chance to get stuck in

6 Borges: Was solid enough defensively, but wasn’t really able to offer much going forward

7 Morris: Became increasingly prominent as the game wore on – got Boro onto the front foot in the second half

6 Hackney: Saw more of the ball in the second period, but often seemed slow to get it forward

6 Doak: Got into some decent positions on the right, but the quality of his deliveries into the box was mixed

6 Azaz: Drifted in and out of the game, but played a crucial role as he delivered the cross for Latte Lath’s header

7 McGree: Added something on his return to the starting side by trying to be direct – looks to shoot when his team-mates often pass

6 Conway: Got his chance in the ‘number nine’ role, but wasn’t really able to take it as he was crowded out in the 18-yard box


Subs:

Latte Lath (for Conway, 77)

Howson (for McGree, 88)

Jones (for Doak, 88)

Clarke (for Azaz, 94)

(not used): Brynn (gk), Dijksteel, Barlaser, Hamilton, Burgzorg.


SHEFF UTD (4-2-3-1):

Cooper 6; Gilchrist 6 (Brooks 87), SOUTTAR 7, Ahmedhodzic 7, McCallum 6 (Norrington-Davies 61, 5); Peck 5 (Shackleton 61, 5), Arblaster 6; Rak-Sakyi 6, Brewster 5, O’Hare 6 (Hamer 61, 5); Moore 5 (Campbell 79).

Subs (not used): Davies (gk), Burrows, Robinson, Seriki.


Man Of The Match: LUKE AYLING – The full-back epitomised Boro’s spirit and commitment with the superb first-half goalline clearance that proved so crucial to the final outcome.