'Good day for the academy': How Middlesbrough fans reacted to much-needed win over Charlton

Woodgate handed a Championship debut to 19-year-old defender Djed Spence at wing-back, while another academy graduate, Hayden Coulson, also impressed on the opposite flank.

Boro fans were quick to notice the extra energy and balance their side possessed in the wide areas.

Here’s how some supporters reacted on social media:

@LiamBringloe: Enjoyed watching @Boro today. Spence and Coulson stepped up. Another clean sheet for Pears.Walker caused problems. A good day for the academy.

@cdouglasfilm: Thought we looked a complete different side today, Spence and Coulson unbelievable! Good dominance and hard thought three points. The whole side played brilliant

@cbstar82: Loved Spence and Coulson as wingbacks today! Well done Jonathan Woodgate!

@Jooky85: The kids are alright @Boro. Tavernier immense today and so mature at the end. Coulson and Spence very very bright, aggressive & direct. But a word for Jonny ‘I’ll play anywhere me’ Howson. Mint.

@Joe_Tindle: Coulson and Spence absolutely excellent there but Tavernier was my MOTM. Everything went through him, always looking for the ball and looking to play forward and had the work rate to match.

@LewisThompson7: We go spend money on Bola and Djiksteel when we have to gems at wingback in Spence and Coulson, both were superb today, pace and energy and so much quality! The heartbeat of the side today, great to see us still producing great youngsters through the academy! UTB

@Neillygrownup: This season we knew #boro would have to depend on the academy. So the emergence of Coulson & now Spence makes it even more ridiculous that we spent our summer transfer budget on 2 full backs.

@lynpogue: Got to build the team around these young kids because there's not going to be a lot of money to spend til we are back in the prem! Coulson and Spence good quick full backs and Walker looked promising.

@glaswegian78: Thought @DjedSpence was outstanding today especially first half, full of energy strength and attacking intent! @Haydencoulsonn also stood out for me again. Both players first thought with ball is to go forward

@YusufBoroFan: I have always believed if you give players a consecutive run in the team in their favoured position, they will show what they can do. Playing a few games then dropping to the bench then returning in a different position never helps. We have seen with McNair & Tav what can happen