6 Travers: Couple of good saves just after Conway’s miss. Didn’t have much to do. Didn’t take any risks with distribution. Did flap at one second half set-piece.
7 Dijksteel: Was dragged across for Stoke’s goal but otherwise rock solid. Managed second half very well, as did fellow defenders.
8 Fry: The moment he clattered Sam Gallagher epitomised dominant defensive display. Now Boro’s only fit centre-half and deserved his clean sheet.
5 Edmundson: Ran away from the ball instead of trying to cut out Moran cross for the goal. Replaced a minute into the second half with injury.
7 Borges: Has stepped up since arrival of Ryan Giles and now having his best run of form this season. Another impressive display here. Always an outlet on the left in the second half.
8 Hackney: Stoke made it far too easy for Hackney, but he still showed his class. Ambled through the home midfield in build-up to crucial second goal.
7 Morris: Relatively easy night’s work for the American, who won the midfield battle with Hackney. Never allowed Stoke to build any momentum in the game.
8 Forss: His emphatic finish put Boro in front and would have had an assist had Conway somehow not missed from under the crossbar. A timely return to form. Just his second start of the season, but his third will no doubt come against Derby on Saturday.
7 Whittaker: Not as effective as Forss or Azaz but still played his part. Was involved in first goal.
9 Azaz: What a time for Azaz, Boro’s best player in the first half of the season, to return to form after his recent dip. He had a hand in the first goal, scored the second and created the third. Man of the Match.
7 Conway: Looked to be trying a bit too hard to make amends for his first half sitter but the goal he deserved to wrap up the points. Now on 10 for the season and enjoying an impressive first campaign on Teesside.
SUBSTITUTES:
7 Ayling (for Edmundson, 46): Assured second half performance in unfamiliar position. Did really well.
6 Burgzorg (for Forss, 68): Fresh legs from the bench and led the celebrations at full-time.
Iling-Junior (for Conway, 87): N/A
Giles (for Azaz, 87): N/A
SUBS NOT USED: Glover, Barlaser, Iheanacho, Dede, McCabe
STOKE: Johansson 5, Wilmot 5 (Tchamadeu, 70), Stevens 5, Rose 5 (Bocat, 76) Phillips 5, Seko 4 (Pearson, 70), Baker 5, Moran 6, Manhoef 6 (Koumas, 62), Junho 6, Lowe 5 (Gallagher, 62)
SUBS NOT USED: Bonham, Thompson, Fawunmi, Tezgel
MAN OF THE MATCH: Finn Azaz. This was the Azaz from the first half of the season. Keep him playing like this will be key if Boro are to build on crucial win.
