How they rated

NEIL ETHERIDGE

Learned his lessons from St Andrew’s as he cleared decisively a few times as Boro tried to pressurise him into mistakes. Stayed alert and deserved clean sheet.

BRUNO MANGA

Had been threatened by pace once or twice but stayed on his toes enough to ensure he didn’t offer any glimpse to Boro frontmen.

SEAN MORISSON (CAPT)

Batted back anything that came his way in the centre of Cardiff’s defence, staying strong in the air and sweeping up well when he needed. Good presence in opposition box too and had a shout for a penalty.

LEE PELTIER

Was never going to add much extra attacking offer even though pushed forward as wing-back and did allow Fabio past him a few times, but solid enough and wasn’t afraid to track danger sensible.

JOE RALLS

Covered an awful lot of ground as he tried his best to get close Boro’s possession in the middle of the park, but engine showed itself as he got on top at death and made no mistake with penalty.

CRAIG BRYSON

Wasn’t quite as effective when Cardiff countered as has been in past outings, but joined Ralls in putting the shift in to frustrate Middlesbrough.

JOE BENNETT

One lovely cross that Danny Ward was close to converting and while didn’t have too much other joy down his side, didn’t let Boro have much space either.

NATHANIEL MENDEZ-LAING

Not as clinical as was earlier in season, but was perfect for Cardiff counter option and eagerness to keep going earned the penalty late on.

JUNIOR HOILETT

Had huge chance to make it 2-0 at end. Didn’t have much service but guilty of taking a little too much time or choosing wrong option when Cardiff did get chance.

DANNY WARD

Worked hard but couldn’t beat Randolph in big early chance and had to settle with trying to open the space for others.