How the Middlesbrough players rated as they were beaten 3-1 by Fulham
Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough celebrates scoring at Fulham(Image: Getty Images)
Middlesbrough put up a valiant effort as their FA Cup journey ended in the third round again after a 3-1 defeat at Fulham.
A cruel scoreline for Kim Hellberg’s side, they led at the interval after an excellent first half. Hayden Hackney doing his stock no harm as he fired Boro ahead.
Boro were looking good against their Premier League opponents, but their class showed in the second half. Able to call upon the likes of Harry Wilson, Tom Cairney and Antonee Robinson from the bench, they turned the game around.
Though it ended for defeat for Boro, there was plenty of encouragement and heart to take from their efforts. Here’s how the Boro players were rated.
Sol Brynn – 7
Nothing he could do with either goal. Otherwise made a couple of really good second-half saves after having little to do in the first half.
Alan Browne – 7
Credit where it’s due. From the off, Kevin looked lively for the hosts. Not in his natural position but yet again in didn’t show for Browne. Not only did he compete so well with the Brazilian, he got forward well too.
Adilson Malanda – 7
Another solid performance as he won big headers and tackles and made a couple of blocks as well. Looks so composed in possession.
Luke Ayling – 8
What a credit to Ayling that at 34 he’s able to come up against a Premier League team and orchestrate Boro’s defence in the way that he did. He stood out because of his double moment at the end of the first half when he made one big block and then moments later cleared one off the line.
Matt Targett – 6
Solid for 55 minutes but struggled to get to grips with Harry Wilson after his introduction. There’s no shame in that. Few Premier League defenders are coping with the in-form forward right now.
Hayden Hackney – 8
Put Boro ahead with a really clever front-post finish after 30 minutes. Boro played some really nice football throughout a lot of this game and Hackney was regularly at the heart of it with some classy touches.
Aidan Morris – 7
Protected the back four well for so much of it, and showed bravery in possession, dropping into deep areas to get it and move Boro on. Involved in the attack for the goal, he put Whittaker in behind for a big chance too.
Sammy Silvera – 8
After his goal last weekend, this was another positive outing for Silvera. Almost set Conway up early on and then did grab an assist for Hackney’s goal. He did so well to beat his man to create a crossing opportunity. Out of possession, he worked so hard to support Browne throughout.
Morgan Whittaker – 8
Looked really classy at moments in this game playing in the pockets. He would regularly find space and link Boro’s defence and attack, driving Boro forward on many positive first-half counters. Probably should have finished a chance at 2-1 to get Boro level.
Alex Gilbert – 6
Didn’t really have as much influence as others in the game, while his support for Targett was lacking late on. But he came really close to grabbing an assist in the first half with a clever cross to the back post that Hackney was so close to getting on the end of.
Tommy Conway – 6
How’s your luck? Denied a goal early in the game after a good near-post run and then hit the bar with his final bit of action. Worked tirelessly up top for Boro. His pressing hassled Fulham defenders all afternoon.
Substitutions
Delano Burgzorg (For Conway, 63’) – 6 – Struggled to have much of an impact on the game as Fulham piled the pressure on after their changes.
Dael Fry (For Ayling, 80’) – N/A
Sverre Nypan (For Hackney, 80’) – N/A
Cruz Ibeh (For Whittaker, 80’) – N/A – senior debut for the academy star.
Sontje Hansen (For Targett, 86’) – N/A
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