Matt CrooksMatt Crooks
Matt Crooks

'Tenacious' 'Commanding': Middlesbrough player ratings after Andraz Sporar and Matt Crooks goals in Barnsley win

Middlesbrough made it back-to-back Championship wins after a 2-0 victory over Barnsley at the Riverside – but who stood out for Neil Warnock’s side against the Tykes?

Andraz Sporar opened the scoring for the Teessiders with a header in the first half, converting Paddy McNair’s inviting cross.

Neil Warnock’s side then had more opportunities to extend their lead before Matt Crooks made the game secure three minutes from time, heading home after Jonny Howson knocked the ball back across goal.

The result moves Boro up to 10th in the Championship table and just three points off a play-off position.

Barnsley, meanwhile, have dropped to 23rd in the Championship after a disappointing start to the season for their new boss Markus Schopp.

Warnock will now prepare for a meeting with his former club Cardiff this weekend.

Our reporter Joe Nicholson has delivered his verdict on how each player fared against Barnelsy at the Riverside.

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