Our Boro writer Joe Nicholson has dished out his player ratings following the match at the Cardiff City Stadium, with some mixed marks for the Teessiders. Scroll down and flick through our picture gallery to see how each player performed for Jonathan Woodgate’s team against the Bluebirds:
1. Anfernee Dijksteel - 5
Struggled to find the right balance between attack and defence as Cardiff looked dangerous on the flanks. 5 Photo: Getty Images
2. Daniel Ayala - 6
Played in the heart of defence and looked solid on his return to the side. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
3. Dael Fry - 6
Made a couple of important blocks on the right of the back three. Tried to dribble the ball forward when there was a lack of options in front of him. 6 Photo: Getty Images
4. Marvin Johnson - 5
Had a difficult task operating in a wing-back role and struggled to cope with the lively Gavin Whyte. 5 Photo: Frank Reid