MYHILL 6

Was alert and sharp in first period, got no favours on Boro free-kick by hole in wall and deflection.

CARR 6

Solid and steady enough, kept on plugging away in usual fashion.

MURPHY 6

Was relatively sound and competent, stood ground and was fouled as Boro broke for third goal.

CALDWELL 7

Watchful and aggressive when needed to be, always put body on line when danger came.

DAVIES 6

Rash moment to concede Boro free-kick, otherwise competitive and competent enough.

MAN OF THE MATCH: BURKE.....................8

Attacked full-back at will and put Boro defence on edge with constant trickery down the right.

SPECTOR 6

Very diligent and workmanlike, produced stinging shot that earned penalty.

FAHEY 6

Smooth, unrushed as the midfield pivot, mopped up well and kept ball moving.

BEAUSEJOUR 6

On the ball a lot, tried to keep play ticking, faded as things went on.

REDMOND 7

Slick, lively and confident, Boro got the jitters when he had ball in advanced areas.

ROONEY 6

Despatched penalty with cool confidence, ploughed on as lone striker with purpose.

SUBSTITUTES

Wood (for Spector, 72), Not used: Doyle, Dann, Asante, Hubbins.

BORO (4-4-2): Ikeme, McMahon, Bennett, Bates, McManus, Robson, Bailey, Williams,  Emnes, McDonald (Haroun, ht), Arca (Martin, 67). Subs: Hines, Coyne, Smallwood.

BOOKINGS: Robson (25, shirt pulling), Ikeme (35, foul) – Boro. Caldwell (75, foul), Burke (foul, 89) – Blues.

GOALS: Robson (48), Haroun (70), Martin (72) – Boro. Rooney (36, pen) – Blues.

GAME RATING 6

No classic, Blues were on course to do a job.

CROWD WATCH 6

A hardy band of 591 visitors made themselves heard. Attendance: 17,567.

REF WATCH 6

M Brown (East Yorks): Got the penalty decision correct, no errors.

THE MANAGER 6

Chris Hughton’s shape and pattern working until early second-half slip.

INJURY WATCH

None in-game.

WHO’S UP NEXT FOR BLUES?

CD Nacional (h), Europa League, Thursday, 7.45pm.