Dominic Solanke of AFC Bournemouth scores his side's third goal past Marcus Bettinelli of Middlesbrough.Dominic Solanke of AFC Bournemouth scores his side's third goal past Marcus Bettinelli of Middlesbrough.
Dominic Solanke of AFC Bournemouth scores his side's third goal past Marcus Bettinelli of Middlesbrough.

Joe Nicholson's Middlesbrough player ratings: One 7 and lots of 5s in Bournemouth defeat

Middlesbrough’s play-off hopes suffered a big blow after a 3-1 defeat at promotion rivals Bournemouth.

Boro fell behind inside 14 minutes after Philip Billing’s opener at the Vitality Stadium but managed to equalise through Duncan Watmore in the second half.

Neil Warnock’s side were only level for four minutes, though, after Sam Morsy’s mistimed clearance fell to Jefferson Lerma who restored the Cherries’ lead.

Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke then made it 3-1 in the 83rd minute, sealing a win which saw Jonathan Woodgate’s side move six points clear of Boro with a game in hand.

The Teessiders were without defender Dael Fry and midfielder Marcus Tavernier, who are set to miss the next few weeks with calf and hamstring injuries respectively.

Boro will now prepare for next week’s games against Watford and Barnsley – who are also pushing for promotion from the Championship.

Here’s how the Teessiders fared at the Vitality Stadium.