Ratings: How Middlesbrough FC players fared against Cardiff City at the Riverside Stadium
Daniels: One key tip-over to deny Watters in the second half. 7
Dijksteel: Showed authority and confidence in his defensive business. Come on a long way. Saved a certain late goal for Doyle. 8
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Hide AdBamba: Made one excellent first-half saving tackle against his old club to thwart Watters and was in command all evening. 8
McNair: Bucaneered forward when the chance arose at every juncture. 7
Jones: Plenty of endeavour and running, although he has clearly dipped from the heights of earlier this season. Easy to forget he's still a young lad; it's understandable. Booked. 7
McGree: Started the move which led to the opener before grabbing his first goal on Riverside soil. Should have had another, too. But encouragement all the same. 7
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Hide AdHowson: Oils the wheels. A player who you usually know what you get with and stepped up to the plate. Set up the second, involved in the first and sets the tone for Boro. 8
Tavernier: Made a relieving breakthrough for Boro with a clinical low shot. Busy, energetic. 7
Bola: Some early adventure and showed no lack of confidence on the night. 7
Watmore: Slammed a shot straight at Phillips at his near post before the break. Trademark energy and pace without really being a natural centre striker. 7
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Hide AdBalogun: Some intelligent movement and runs, but his team-mates weren't sharp enough to find him at times. Needs a goal, plainly. 6
Substitutes: Sporar (Balogun 61), 6 Connolly (Watmore 76) 6,
Not used: Lumley, Hall, Payero, Peltier, Coburn.
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