Danny Graham’s two first half goals ended Middlesbrough’s goal drought and saw his side to a comfortable 2-0 victory over the Blues at the Riverside. The on-loan Sunderland man followed up after Dean Gerken had saved Mustapha Carayol’s shot in the 29th minute, then headed home ex-Blue Grant Leadbitter’s corner moments before half-time.

Mick McCarthy named an unchanged side with Paul Taylor again starting in a three-man attack. Luke Hyam and Jonny Williams returned from hamstring injuries to take places on the bench.

Academy second-year scholar Teddy Bishop travelled with the senior squad for the first time — Anthony Wordsworth having suffered a back problem in Thursday training - but was not included in the 18.

Frazer Richardson was unavailable against his parent club, while skipper Carlos Edwards also didn’t make the trip.

Boro made six changes from the side which lost 1-0 at Sheffield Wednesday last week with former Town man Leadbitter returning and skippering the side.

After the home side had won a corner within the first 30 seconds, Taylor carved out the game’s first opportunity, getting behind one-time Town target George Friend on the right and cutting the ball back to Frank Nouble, who returned the ball to the former Peterborough man in an offside position when he might have looked goalwards himself.

The Teessiders, without a goal in their last seven games, went closer in the fourth minute when Graham laid the ball back to Taylor’s former Posh team-mate Lee Tomlin, who shot just wide from the 18-yard line.

Boro probably should have gone in front in the 12th minute when Emmanuel Ledesma’s freekick from the right fell to Friend, who blazed over from 10 yards when he ought to have done better. Four minutes later the former Doncaster left-back cut in and crossed but Graham headed well over.

Friend was proving to be the home side’s biggest danger early on and on 20 he again cut in from the left between Luke Chambers and Christophe Berra but smashed his shot high and wide.

Carayol, a scorer in last year’s corresponding fixture, hit a low strike which Gerken tipped wide in the 21st minute, although the ball appeared to be going past the post in any case.

The Teessiders continued present the greater threat and in the 26th minute Berra did well to get back to stab the ball away from Graham with the striker through behind the Blues’ backline.

Taylor almost put Town in front in the 28th minute after a speculative Daryl Murphy shot had deflected to him on the right of the area. The Liverpudlian curled a shot just over with the outside of his right boot and clearly thought he should have been celebrating his second goal of the season.

Two minutes later, the home side went ahead via their first goal in 12 hours and 14 minutes of football. Gerken couldn’t hold on to Carayol’s low shot to his left and Graham was quickest to react to stab home his first goal since returning to Boro from six yards.

The impetus was very much with the home side after the goal, Carayol making a couple of strong runs down the left, Cresswell first turning the ball to Gerken from close range ahead of Nathaniel Chalobah, before the Blues keeper challenged the winger as he looked to cut the ball back from a tight angle on the left.

As half-time approached, Boro continued to look the more threatening side, Ledesma seeing a 30-yard volley deflect wide after a corner had been cleared to him.

Soon after the fourth official had raised his board, the Teessiders increased their lead. Ex-Town skipper Leadbitter sent over a corner from the left and Graham got in front of Berra at the near post to flick a header across Gerken and into the net.

Boro were well worth their lead at the break, having controlled the game for the most part, creating the vast majority of the chances.

However, the half may well have panned out very differently had Taylor taken his chance shortly before Graham ended his side’s long wait for a goal.

McCarthy switched Luke Hyam for Nouble ahead of the restart with Paul Green moving to the right in a 4-4-2 formation.

Seven minutes after being introduced, Hyam was booked for a foul on Carayol in front of the technical area.

Green did well to turn Carayol’s cross from the right behind ahead of Chalobah in the 58th minute after the winger had got round the outside of Chambers on the Boro right as they broke after Town’s first corner of the afternoon.

A minute later, Cresswell shot well wide from a freekick 30 yards out after Green had been fouled by Ledesma. Soon after, Green scuffed a similarly wayward effort when well placed just outside the box.

Berra required treatment for a knee problem following a solid challenge with Friend, then in the 66th minute Murphy struck Town’s first shot on target but his effort on the turn was easy for Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopoulos.

Three minutes later, McCarthy swapped Taylor, who had worked hard but without having the same impact on the game that he did a week ago, for Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

Moments later, Ledesma was booked for dissent, then Chambers joined him in the referee’s book for a foul on Carayol, who he pulled back after he had got away from him as the home side broke after a Town corner.

New loanee Jonny Williams was handed his Blues debut in place of Tabb 18 minutes from the end, while Boro switched goalscorer Graham for Kei Kamara.

Town, who were continuing to give the ball away cheaply as they had all afternoon, weren’t looking particularly likely to pull a goal back, while the home side didn’t appear to be overly concerned about adding a third.

Chambers blocked Boro sub Kamara’s shot in the 79th minute before the outstanding Carayol was replaced by Curtis Main to a warm ovation from the home fans.

Smith headed Cresswell’s left-sided corner well over with six minutes remaining, then in injury time Green curled a shot just wide after being found in space in the area by Cole Skuse.

Boro sub Main might have made it 3-0 soon afterwards, but diverted Kamara’s low cross from the right into the side-netting.

Berra forced Konstantopoulos into his most significant save of the afternoon in the final minute of injury time. Williams chipped a cross from the right, Berra nodded goalwards at the far post and the Greek keeper palmed the ball over.

But a Town revival never really looked on the cards. The home side had been deservedly in front at the break and their lead never looked under any serious threat in the second half.

The Blues were lacklustre throughout, giving the ball away far too easily and — aside from Taylor’s first half chance — creating little until the closing stages.

Town remain ninth still four points from sixth ahead of Tuesday’s trip to relegation-threatened Yeovil, who beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 at home today.

Middlesbrough: Konstantopoulos, Gibson, Chalobah, Varga, Carayol (Main 80), Leadbitter (c), Friend, Tomlin (Butterfield 77), Graham (Kamara 72), Omeruo, Ledesma. Subs: Steele, Williams L, Atkinson, Morris.

Town: Gerken, Chambers (c), Cresswell, Berra, Smith, Skuse, Tabb (Williams 72), Green, Taylor (Ebanks-Blake 69), Murphy, Nouble (Hyam 46). Subs: Loach, Anderson, Hunt, Mings, Williams. Referee: Iain Williamson (Berkshire). Att: 13,965 (Town: 450).

Photo: Action Images

Cloddyseedbed added 21:21 - Mar 8 Blueherts, for any other team that is not in the Premiership the ' Premiership ' is the worst thing that happened in English football!
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WickedBlue added 21:28 - Mar 8 Well everyone keeps asking why take off a forward to bring on a defensive midfielder easy he rede needed players to support Chambers who was being taking to the cleaners by a young very fast winger. That's what happens when you have speed in your side. As Mathes said anyone even an experienced right back would not have played him today he was that good. I bow to the expert. You all know that a McCarthy team is going to be a defensive team he was after a defender. How Royle was a striker his team and his attitude was I don't care if the opposition scores 5 goals as long as we score 6.

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JWM added 21:30 - Mar 8 We agree on one thing beat! Things will not change next year because the owner will not spend the money that is required! You can keep banging on about tactics and formations till your blue in the face but when you have a poor squad of players it really doesn't make much difference who we play and where! It makes me chuckle that last week all you football experts were saying that Taylor is the messiah and he needs to play every game! I notice that the didn't do much today did he! I just prefer to trust the professional football manager over a bunch of amateur commentators.

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Cloddyseedbed added 21:40 - Mar 8 I disagree JWM about it doesn't matter who we play and where. Try putting players where they are supposed to play and picking the better players over poorer ones would be a hell of a start. I know Richardson was unavailable this week but he's a right back, put him in the ruddy team, it can't make us any weaker can it? Better still get Hewitt back accept he has to learn his trade, he should and will only get better. As for Tabb being in instead of Williams and Nouble still being picked ahead of anyone - well!!

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thebeat added 21:41 - Mar 8 Yes cus a midfield of skuse green and tabb are really gina supply taylor with much needed service arent they. Answer the question JWM do you think Tabb, Green and Nouble are a better option than Hunt,Anderson/Edwards and Williams?
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WickedBlue added 21:43 - Mar 8 The Premiership is the worst thing that has happened to Englidh football. It has killed off competition let's face it only a small handfull of clubs stand a chance of winning it. Best we will ever hope for is to avoid relagation and before anyone jumps up to remind me that last time the club went up we finished 5th the was 13 years ago the gap between the big clubs and the rest has been steadily growing each year since then. Yes we want to go up we want and need the money but it won't be pleasant.

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JWM added 21:51 - Mar 8 Richardson couldn't play today due to his loan arrangement! Edwards is way way past it, Anderson is a non entity, go back to the start of the season and most football experts on here we're saying that he is rubbish, and Williams hasn't fully recovered from his injury! Next! And there was me thinking that Taylor had soooo much quality he could make chances for himself just like erm..... McGoldrick! Ah but we should be playing the kids like Marriott! Yeah and look at how you treat Luke Hyam! That will really do his confidence the world of good.

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thebeat added 22:11 - Mar 8 Like talking to a brick wall! Edwards and Hunt played against Blackburn, we went at them and stuffed them in our best and most entertaining performance of the season with Edwards scoring. What happens 3 days later at home to Huddersfield? They get dropped. Unbelievable. Yes Anderson wasnt great to start with but Mick kept picking him, this was when Anderson wasnt taking his man on and was tucking in more. Then we played Reading at hime, Anderson came on at 0-0, played like a winger, took his man on, changed the game and we won 2-0 with him scoring. He then played well at Leeds 3 days later but since then hes hardly had a kick. Why? Because he dared to play like an actual winger? And if Williams isnt fit he wouldnt be on the bench. The facts are Mick will always pick boring defensive players cus despite his Northern hard man image he has no cahones when it comes to picking football teams.

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TractorBoy666 added 22:28 - Mar 8 JWM, we have a very highly rated player in Williams on loan who is sitting on the bench and you say we have a poor squad so it doesn't matter who plays?! Williams is better than Tabb, Green, Hyam and yet we don't play the guy. It's like that Graham we got in on loan who looked exciting and Mick seems to not like that so he hardly got any game time. Anderson and Edwards are proper wingers who don't get any game time, so we play two players out of position on the wings in Green and Tabb. I agree with thebeat, but I strongly disagree with you.

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JWM added 22:30 - Mar 8 Come on then beat you obviously know more about football than mick so why don't you apply for the job. The invisible one will surely jump at the chance of saving more money!
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thebeat added 22:54 - Mar 8 Thats the point JWM if i can see it and so many of our fans can see it why cant he? Its not rocket science, wingers play on the wing, full backs play at full back, you only need 1 defensive midfielder and you pick your best strikers not the ones that train like nutters while being "good boys"
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alfromcol added 23:43 - Mar 8 Chambers is no more a full back than Carlos Edwards was, why does MM persist with him there. He got skinned so many times today, not all his own fault as he got very little cover from those in front of him. Almost hoping a CB gets injured so Chambers gets moved back in the middle and Richardson starts a RB. Ps i realise that he couldn't play today Just knew it was going to be a bad day, when Tabbs name was announced in the starting lineup. How does he keep getting picked ahead of Hunt and Anderson? I am an MM supporter, but some of his selections beggar belief.

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blues1 added 00:09 - Mar 9 hancockingoal. The reason he took a striker off and brought a defensive midfielder on at half time was to go 4-4-2, as the 4-3-3 was not working. the problem with that substitution was that he brought the wrong player on. It so clear that Anderson should have been brought on to give us width and to help out chambers, who was being skinned time and again by both carayol and friend. unfortunately once again, mm has shown his lack of tactical nous, coupled with a totally negative attitude. this months games were all the deciding games as to where the season is going for us or not, so we needed as many points as possible. And surely the best thing to do is to just say, hey, lets go for it, weve nothing to lose. Alas, thatll never happen with mm as manager. We are stuck with this boring, negative tripe. have to say after a 500 mile round trip I expected more than what I saw, tho im not totally surprised at what was served up yet again today

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thebeat added 00:36 - Mar 9 blues1 width? Width? Whats that? Thats so 1995.Here is football 2014 style ( well in Micks head anyway). Right i want 4 central midfielders all playing narrowly just infront of t back four When a defender gets it just lump it up t strikers and let them deal with it on their own. Do not under any circumstances back them up, dont get crazy, you must leave a massive gap between the strikers and the midfield for the oppo to have the ball, our midfield enforcers will then win it off them and the whole process starts again, you never know our strikers might produce a worldy and we nick the game 1-0, happy days. Now go out, there and try and enjoy it lads. If you get a 0-0 i' ll let you watch a dvd on t way home, if you win you get a chippy tea. Progress dont you just love it TC? Yes boss, anything you say boss.can i have a saveloy with mine? Dont be stupid TC, ive not picked team to win t game, im not paying out for chips, i am from up North u know........

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BrettenhamBlue added 07:21 - Mar 9 This was a truly dreadful performance. When will MM realise that Nouble simply isn't good enough to play in the Championship? He reminds me of a "poor mans" Adrian Paz. I have been really proud of our team this season, but this was truly pitiful.... Thank God we are not in the bottom 3.
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essexboy added 07:31 - Mar 9 This was a terrible display by a team that did not even seem committed.With a full squad,I cannot get my head round just why MM picked such a poor team.Surely he should have gone with the intention of getting all three points.The defence was unsure again,stupid mistakes,sorry but Chambers is not a full back however hard he tries.He should never have been moved.We need an attacking back to put pressure on your opposition.The midfield yesterday was just non existent.Tabb is a total waste of space and offers nothing to the midfield,I'm afraid Green is not the answer and never will be.Only Scuse And Hyam are capable.We need pace and somebody with vision.I'm sure MM is aware of this,well I hope he is.Up front Noble is NOT the answer and never will be,he tries but that is all.Even Taylor had a poor game but then he is only as good as the service he gets or didn't.I've been an Ipswich supporter for over 50years but sorry to say this is the worst I have seen my club.MM has done a great job without funds,but I find his style of play very poor,whether it's down to the squad he has I'm not quiet sure.ONE thing for sure is THE owner is Not committed to the club and is treating it like a burden now.When he first took over things did look good but not anymore.MR.Evans sell up now please.I rest my case.(one really fed up Town supporter).

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HackneyBlue added 07:54 - Mar 9 Hold on a minute guys-those people berating players please think again,our right back had a mare today but hes not a right back,Hyam,Skuse,Green no forward thinking today thats because they are defensive minded,Nouble clueless(ok i except that one).The point is if you need a plumber you dont ring an electrician. the problem is players selected for the wrong job,thats not the players fault its the selection commitee.jay tabb is a decent player at what hes employed to do hes not going to fly down the wing like Giggs.Selection,selection,selection.(BBC 2 20.30 Tues) DONT BLAME PLAYERS

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essexboy added 08:04 - Mar 9 HackneyBlue,point taken,but he had the players available yesterday but chose to pick players that are not capable in certain positions.He went for a draw and in my eyes that is not good enough when we still HAD an outside chance of the play-offs.
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karls_dad added 08:12 - Mar 9 Today has shown what quality in all honesty we really have, not much! poor tactics from Mick, Ahowler from Gerks, playoffs are now all but over, which is a blessing really, hand on heart what would we achieve should we get there? again not much, we would just make it easier for the other contenders. Yeovil Tuesday night? Mick complaing about the distance etc, now let me see.............we can send the squad and everone else a few weeks back for a week in the sunshine but can,t do an easyjet down to Bristol to be met by the coach? thats not too difficult now is it? Our season is now officially over, maybe a top ten finish but more like 12th! Whilst here i would like to thank all you dire hards that have spent countless hours on the road and a small fortune supporting the team at the away games, its great to hear you on the radio making all the noise, well done guys and gals!

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HackneyBlue added 08:14 - Mar 9 essexboy-re read my comments-SELECTION
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bring_back_Wickham added 09:17 - Mar 9 Loach Hewitt Smith Berra Cresswell Anderson hyam hunt Taylor SEB murphy This team has width creativity and players in their correct positions. How can MM not see this?
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brittaniaman added 09:56 - Mar 9 NOT LOOKING WELL FOR SALES OF SEASON TICKETS NEXT SEASON ???????????
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brendenward35 added 10:05 - Mar 9 Does anyone realise that maybe milk is under the orders to stay in the championship? How can we really think about premiership football when we have such a poor squad plus owner who won't put any more money into the club. If Marcus really wanted premiership football he would have backed mick but has hasn't. Best league position in years and not even mick a penny tells you something.

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brendenward35 added 10:07 - Mar 9 Hate this phone excuse me for typos
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BillBlue added 10:08 - Mar 9 Cloddy - for the very first time I disagree with one of your statements! IMO the Premiership has been disastrously bad for all of English football and it is down to Sky's "Totally New Ball Game" approach. I hate Sky to the extent that I changed from Sky to Virgin ten years ago then, last year, stopped the Virgin Sports service because it included all Sky Sports. To back up what I am saying just take a look at the joke of the current England team which is down to the bigger clubs being filled with overpaid/over-rated foreigners some of whom will even bite you! Just a joke really but basically true! JWM, my friend, I know you are just having a bit of fun but you have now started arguing for the sake of argument and that always does come over as tedious. KarlsDad, thank you, I applaud your thought re our fellow supporters who consistently support Town, through thick and thin, away from home that is one thing as a Club we can still be proud of. IMO they are entitled to better football being served up and not being left feeling shamed by the team they love as they probably were yesterday and that means a better Manager. I have said before I hope MM goes sooner rather than later but thinking about it I also hope he takes TC with him and we do not get left, as Wolves were, then we might be more successful than them in the immediate aftermath.

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