Morgan Whittaker gets deserved moment as he inspires important Boro win

On what proved a good day for Boro after Millwall’s draw on Friday evening, Boro beat Watford 5-1 at the Riverside. David Strelec and Tommy Conway (two) both got themselves on the scoresheet, in a game that should do wonders for confidence in the end.

But it was the performance of Whittaker, who scored twice - one a sublime free-kick, assisted another, and went so close with his last kick to scoring a hat-trick, who was the story here. After struggles early into his Boro career, his absence and now timely return, has affirmed just how important he is, and the reception from Boro fans said everything.

It was an important win for Boro. As Ipswich only drew at West Brom, it keeps Boro in the race for automatic promotion. The goal difference swing means they’re now one goal better off than Southampton too.

Depending on the result between Ipswich and Southampton in midweek, they may even have a chance still on the final day at Wrexham. Even if it’s still to be play-offs, the signs are much better for Boro, particularly with Whittaker in this form.

Kim Hellberg rang the changes after Wednesday’s lethargic performance against Sheffield Wednesday. Into the starting line-up were Alex Bangura, Alex Gilbert, Jeremy Sarmiento and Sontje Hansen. Rested were Dael Fry, Matt Targett, Alan Browne and Tommy Conway.

Boro could hardly have got off to a better start. Rubber-stamping his importance to Boro, Whittaker scored early again, putting his side 1-0 up on just six minutes.

It came as Hasen, who started lively, won a free-kick. Around 25 yards out, Whittaker produced a bit of a souvenir for Boro, striking the ball so well that he curled straight into the back of the net beyond a helpless Egil Selvik.

The goal certainly raised the noise levels inside the Riverside. But it was the visitors who responded best to going behind. Having looked early on that they would sit deep with limited attacking intent, the goal changed that plan.

While they remained compact defensively, given Boro problems as far as creating chances was concerned, they added a bit more intent on the counter, and were unfortunate not to be on level terms.

They enjoyed numerous chances on the break after Boro’s opener, with striker Luca Kjerrumgaard particularly menacing. He had the physical ability to cause problems, while proved he had the pace to beat Luke Ayling too. He hit the post with the best of a number of decent Watford chances.

Hellberg would have been relieved when the board went up to signal just one minute of added time at the end of the first half. His side had been quite sloppy in possession and, in the final third, were not making the ball stick. Hansen’s early promise quickly faded.

Making good use of that added minute, however, Boro doubled their lead with the final attack of the half. Great play down the right eventually saw the ball come inside from Whittaker on the wing to Gilbert on the edge.

Gilbert spotted the dart into the box from Whittaker and played a lovely ball back into his path. Boro then got a bit of fortune as Whittaker fired the ball low across goal. Strelec slid in at the front post and although he initially missed it, it cannoned up, off his head, and went in. Boro were taking a 2-0 goal lead into the break.

Any hope the cushion and a half-time pick-up from Hellberg would fire Boro up were quickly dissipated, however. Just three minutes into the second half and Watford had one back.

Boro were asleep from the restart and after a few sloppy moments, James Abankwah profited after Adilson Malanda and Luke Ayling both lost aerial duels in and around Boro’s box. Abankwah outmuscled Strelec in Boro’s box to get to the ball as it dropped before slamming home from close range.

To be fair, they reacted well to the goal. They took five minutes to just take the sting out of the game and recompose themselves. It was good game management, and it paid off.

On 58 minutes they restored their two-goal lead, and it was Whittaker again. Matt Targett, who replaced Bangura at the interval, crossed from the left. Hansen couldn’t quite get the touch to turn it goalwards, but Whittaker arrived behind him and despite the best attempts of the defender, Whittaker made sure the ball found the back of the net - the kind of ruthlessness in front of goal Boro missed so much during his absence.

The shackles appeared to be off for Boro then. Just moments after Strelec tested the keeper, Whittaker went so close to completing his hat-trick. He ran onto a loose ball from 30 yards and smashed it goalwards first-time. Keeper beaten, he was only denied by the bar.

It was to be Whittaker’s last involvement as Hellberg wisely manages his minutes in case, as looks most likely, the play-offs are needed. The Riverside rose in unison and sang the name of Morgan Whittaker. A sublime display and a timely return. His fortunes on Teesside have firmly been turned around now.

Boro were not done there, however. A much-improved second half after the poor start saw Boro take control as Watford crumbled. Back from injury and on for half an hour, Leo Castledine had a go from range and forced a good save out of Selvik.

Moments later, Boro had their fourth. Fellow sub Conway converted a penalty, striking it really well into the bottom corner. It came after Abankwah raised his hand well above his head to handle Targett’s corner.

Boro fans were enjoying themselves from that moment on. There were audible gasps when the board went up to indicate six minutes added time. The result wasn’t in jeopardy, but it seemed excessive.

No Boro fan was complaining when Conway ran through in the second of those added minutes and slammed home Boro’s fifth of the afternoon with a smart finish. The four-goal swing in goal difference means Boro are now one goal better off than Southampton on that front.

This was a great day for Boro, who look back in the mood and are refusing to give up the fight. All eyes turn to the match at St Mary’s on Tuesday evening.

Here at TeessideLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Middlesbrough FC coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest Boro news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

Your information will be hidden, you'll only ever receive messages from the Teesside Live sports team, and you can leave any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .