How they rated

NEIL ETHERIDGE

Made a routine save to deny Adama Traore in the first half, but was largely untroubled. Very assured under the high ball when Boro went direct. Another clean sheet to boot.

BRUNO MANGA

Struggled to cope with the pace of Adama Traore and distribution was questionable, particularly in the first half. Moved into his preferred centre-back role in the second half and looked more comfortable.

SOL BAMBA

Seamlessly slotted back into the side having been rested for the 2-0 win over Bolton. Coped with the threat of Rudy Gestede really well and didn’t give the visitors a sniff.

JOE BENNETT

Excellent last-ditch challenge to deny Stewart Downing when the former England international looked set to fire at goal midway through the opening half. Looked largely untroubled on the left.

CALLUM PATERSON

Rivalled the Duracell bunny for energy with another lung-burning shift in the centre of the park. Won plenty of aerial battles too when Boro went more direct. Replaced by Greg Halford.

MARKO GRUJIC

Grew in confidence as the match wore on and showed glimpses of the attacking threat he can bring to the Bluebirds. Showed a real intelligence on several occasions. Replaced by Loic Damour.

JOE RALLS

A few erratic passes early on but soon settled and showed the typical mix of class and robustness that we’ve come to expect from the central midfielder.

JUNIOR HOILETT

Free-kick was on the money as Morrison headed home the opener in the 33rd minute. And the Canadian was a constant buzz of energy as ever. Did his defensive duties very well, aiding Manga

ARMAND TRAORE

Proved a real threat early on in a more advanced role on the left. Looked very dangerous in the final third and got plenty of crosses into the box too. Withdrawn midway through the second half.

KENNETH ZOHORE

Hold up play was hugely impressive, although the Dane often found himself isolated and had to settle for bringing others into play rather than having opportunities himself. Fans acknowledged his efforts with chants of his name midway through the second period. A monumental shift from the lone striker.

SUBSTITUTES

Lee Peltier (for Traore, 67): Shored up the defence as Cardiff reverted to a back five as Boro pressed late on. Loic Damour (for Grujic, 71): Tested Randolph with a volley in the 76th minute and helped Cardiff see out the game. Great challenge on Ryan Shotton late on. Greg Halford (for Paterson, 87) :Too late to make an impact.

MIDDLESBROUGH

Randolph, Friend, Ayala, Shotton, Gibson, Leadbitter, Howson (Harrison 83), Downing, Besic (Assombalonga 62), Traore, Gestede (Bamford 83). Subs not used: Konstantopoulos, Clayton, Cranie, Fry.

REFEREE

Darren Bond.

ATTENDANCE

18,720.