WANDERERS (3-4-1-2).

JOEL COLEMAN…6.5.

Can have no complaints about his first half work, which included a couple of smart saves and some swift distribution. The injury is a concern, however, and could force Bolton into the transfer market.

WILL FORRESTER…6.

Solid but hamstrung a little by the yellow card he picked up early in the second half. Boro directed traffic down the right and forced Evatt into a switch.

EOIN TOAL…6.5.

A strong return for the Northern Irishman who made some important contributions on his return to the side. Timed his return perfectly with Santos out too.

JACK IREDALE…6.5.

Generally a good showing from the Aussie centre-half, who used the ball well and contributed to a stubborn defensive effort in the final half hour of normal time.

GETHIN JONES…6.

Helped to create the goal for Charles but had a wobbly spell just before half time. Improved later on to help his side try and protect the status quo.

GEORGE THOMASON…6.

Guilty of a bit of ball-watching for the first goal but he worked hard and won back plenty of possession before another yellow put him on notice.

JOSH SHEEHAN…6.

Much more effective in the first 45 minutes but rather bypassed after the restart as Boro started to seize control of the ball.

AARON MORLEY…6.5.

A very encouraging first 45 minutes in the number 10 role where he was positive in possession and looked full of ideas. Not as effective as the game wore on.

ZAC ASHWORTH…6.

Blotted his copybook somewhat with a late error as Boro scored their third goal but came up with some very positive moments on the ball.

CARLOS MENDES GOMES…6.5.

Looked spent by the time he was substituted but the move further forward and his link-up play with Charles looked like it could bear fruit in the future.

DION CHARLES…7.5.

Proved he can mix in these circles, causing some major problems to the visiting defence in the first hour. Appeared a little jaded after that.

Subs: Baxter 6.5, 46 (for Coleman) – One amazing save from McNair but distribution may need work.

Dacres-Cogley 6, 62 (for Forrester) - Insurance against Jones's pace. 

Maghoma 5.5, 70 (for Thomason) – Didn’t really get into the game.

Bodvarsson 5.5, 70 (for Gomes) – Struggled to get any service.

Dempsey 80 (for Morley)

Not used: Williams, Nlundulu, Andeboyejo, Jerome.

Tactics: 6/10 - Wanderers more than matched Boro in the possession stakes in the first half but surrendered too much control around the hour mark, which left their front men with too much chasing to do. Not for the first time, Ian Evatt might be forgiven for asking if he got enough from his bench.

Middlesbrough (4-3-3): Glover; McNair, Fry, Lenihan, Engel; Crooks, Barlaser, Hackney; Jones, Latte Lath, Forss.

Subs: Silvera 71 (for Forss), Rogers 77 (for Crooks), McGree 85 (for Jones), Coburn 85 (for Latte Lath) Not used: J Jones, Howson, Payero, Bilongo.

Referee: Stephen Martin 7/10 – Not much to complain about where the referee is concerned, and he timed a flurry of yellow cards after half time to keep the game from getting heated. Injury time will still need some explanation, though.

Attendance: 8,624