By Michael Richardson
Boro’s second string side put in an assured performance against a competent and accomplished Preston outfit on Tuesday night to progress to the 4th round of the Carabao Cup.
It was a closely fought encounter in which Preston dominated for large parts of the game – an observation backed up by their superior possession (68%). However, despite their dominance in the final third, Preston actually struggled to create quality goal scoring opportunities.
They often opted to shoot from distance after finding Boro's 5 man defence, featuring 16 year-old Nathan Wood, hard to break down.
Alex Neil's side did however find themselves leading within 28 minutes when striker Callum Robinson, a constant threat all night, beat Dimi Konstantopoulos from close range.
This lead was only short lived however, as League Cup joint-top scorer Ashley Fletcher rounded Chris Maxwell to equalise after a lovely piece of play from Boro which featured a fantastic ball from local boy Lewis Wing.
Boro found their way back into the game from that point on, with Fletcher and Tavernier continuing to find space in the Preston box. Nevertheless, Preston found themselves back in the lead twenty minutes after the break, and deservedly so, with Tom Barkhuizen, their other stand-out player on the night, firing in a shot from long range.
Once again North End’s joy was only temporary however, as Marcus Tavernier curled in a fantastic shot just three minutes later after good hold up play from Rudy Gestede on his return to the first team.
Into penalties we went, and four well taken spot kicks from Boro, coupled with 2 awful ones from Preston, ensured that the Boro progressed to the next round.
But how did each individual Boro player fare? Who did enough to stake their claim for a regular place in the Starting XI?
Dimi Konstantopoulos: 7 - The Greek stopper put in a solid shift in what was his first appearance for Boro since the EFL Cup defeat to Bournemouth last season. He did very well to keep the score at 2-2 late in the second half and was unlucky for Preston's second goal.
Paddy McNair: 4 - Started off very poorly and looked uncomfortable in the right wing back role for the vast majority of the first-half, and was regularly beaten by Tom Barkhuizen on Preston's left flank. Boro's summer signing would probably be more suited to a midfield role based on this display.
Nathan Wood: 5 - A slow but steady performance from Wood on his second start for his local team. He made some good tackles and looked an aerial threat but was unable to deal with the pace of Robinson and Barker; two players with far more experience than him at this level.
Danny Batth: 7 - The Wolves loanee was constantly superior in the air and made a vital block when Boro were 1-0 down in the first-half. He certainly looks to be a defender of a similar mould to Aden Flint.
Dael Fry: 6 - A quiet game from Fry, who, like Wood, struggled with Preston's pace at times. However, his dominance in the air ensured that Boro saw the game out to penalties as Preston pushed forward late on.
Sam McQueen: 7 - The flying left-back certainly looks a better option than George Friend in a wing-back system, putting in numerous good balls and regularly beating his man. Was unlucky not to score when temporarily moved over to the right flank in the second half.
Grant Leadbitter: 7 - Boro's skipper led by example in the middle of the park, frequently winning tackles and spraying balls to the flanks. Will act as ample back-up for Adam Clayton in the anchor role this season.
Lewis Wing: 7 - Wing is unquestionably getting better by the game, and last night was another example of the alternate dynamic he can add to the team. His technique was on point as he exhibited his wide range of passing.
Marcus Tavernier: 8 - Undoubtedly his best game in a Boro shirt to date, Tavernier flourished in his new-found central midfield role, often skipping past opposition players and commanding play. His superbly taken goal was merely the cherry on top of a marvellous display.
Ashley Fletcher: 6 - Made goods runs in behind the defence and showed great movement for his goal in the first half. Seemed to fizzle out of the game late on when moved to right wing, but he certainly made his claim to be in Boro's squad for the next league match.
Rudy Gestede: 4 - Struggled to win headers and supply his strike partner Fletcher, and hit the crossbar from an open goal header with the score at 1-1. Often looked well of the pace, perhaps due to his return from injury. Did well to hold up the ball for Tavernier's goal, though.
Harry Chapman (Sub 71'): 5 - Looked a threat at times with his direct running, but displayed poor decision making when it came to knowing whether to pass or shoot.
In summary it was a decent performance from Middlesbrough's fringe players, who looked solid in defence and midfield but still lacked something up top - a common theme for Boro this season. McQueen, Wing and Tavernier were the standouts as Tony Pulis' selection headache escalates - especially for the latter who has been unlucky to find himself out of the squad of late.
Loanee McQueen would be unlucky not to keep his place in the Starting XI ahead of George Friend for Saturday's game at Hull, whilst Wing will be hoping to claim one of the midfield spots. Boro will be hoping for a good draw in the next round, as the young lads and squad players strive for a chance to cement their place in the team ahead of a busy Christmas schedule during which strength in depth is pivotal to good form.
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