Boro player ratings vs Watford with a 9 for the man who stole the show in win

Goals from Morgan Whittaker (two), David Strelec and Tommy Conway (two) secured not just three points for Boro, but also a big swing in goal difference and a big boost to confidence to boot.

And with Millwall only drawing on Friday evening, and Ipswich only drawing at West Brom, Boro’s fight to finish second and earn promotion automatically continues to the final week of the season. Here’s the ratings after a great day for Boro.

Nothing he could do with the goal. Faced a lot more shots than he’s used to in the first half, but few hit the target. One that would have, he got the slightest of fingertips to and turned it onto the post. Could be a big save.

Callum Brittain - 7

Attacked well throughout and was involved in the build-up the important second goal for Boro.

Adilson Malanda - 6

Could have been stronger to win his duel for Watford’s goal. Not the easiest of afternoons for him, but he didn’t ever shirk it.

Luke Ayling - 6

Similar story for Ayling too, who at times struggled to deal with Kjerrumgaard in the first half. But he battled through and played an important role in Boro quickly re-settling after the Watford goal early in the second half.

Alex Bangura - 6

A couple of decent forays forward in the first half but usually then lacked the end product when he got into a good position. Off at half-time.

Alex Gilbert - 6

Struggled with the more physical aspects of the game, and was sloppy at times in possession in the first half. Grew into the second half after gaining confidence from a great ball that unlocked the defence for Boro’s second.

Aidan Morris - 8

Another superb display of passion, energy and determination. He has the heart of a lion.

Morgan Whittaker - 9

He was the inspiration for this Boro win. A superb performance saw him receive a standing ovation when coming off after scoring two goals, including a glorious free-kick, and also provide an assist. Crashed against the bar with last kick, going so close to his hat-trick.

Jeremy Sarmiento - 6

Struggle to make much of an impact. He just couldn’t quite make the ball stick.

Sontje Hansen - 6

Started lively and won the free-kick that Whittaker opened the scoring from. But he faded in the game and, like Sarmiento, struggled to make the ball stick.

David Strelec - 6

Got a goal in somewhat fortunate circumstances. But in general he wasn’t as involved as he might have liked to have been. Outmuscled a lot and lacked the pace or penetration to drive through to goal when presented with an excellent chance on the break.

Matt Targett (For Bangura, 46’) - 7 - Typically solid performance, providing the cross which helped Whittaker get his second, and taking a good corner which resulted in the penalty.

Dael Fry (For Malanda, 65’) - 6 - Solid when he came on, albeit at a time when Watford’s fight had gone and Boro took complete control, meaning he didn’t have as much defending to do.

Leo Castledine (For Hansen, 65’) - 6 - Lively from the bench. Some decent touches in the final third and one good effort that worked the keeper.

Tommy Conway (For Whittaker, 65’) - 8 - Off the bench to score twice, that will hopefully prove a big confidence boost for him. He hit the penalty really well, but the second goal was Conway looking back to his best in front of goal. A clinical finish and a really bright display from the bench.

Sammy Silvera (For Sarmiento, 83’) - N/A

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