Middlesbrough’s FA Cup journey came to an end at the first time of asking for a third consecutive season under Michael Carrick as they lost 1-0 at home to Blackburn Rovers.

In a repeat of the recent league meeting between the two sides on Teesside, the game lacked little attacking quality as the visitors stifled Boro and made themselves hard to break down.

Though offering little at the other end, they capitalised on Boro errors to enjoy the better chances in the game, as they progressed to the fourth round. Here’s how a much-changed Boro side rated as Carrick provided many opportunities to fringe men.

Tom Glover - 6

Largely untested throughout a game of little attacking quality and could do nothing with the goal. But he kick-started an error-ridden five minutes for Boro with his far from convincing ball out straight to Weimann that he just about got away with.

Anfernee Dijksteel - 6

Left exposed for the attack that resulted in the Blackburn goal and it was also from his flank that the visitors should have took the lead late in the first half.

George Edmundson - 6

Left too big a gap in between him and Clarke that was almost exploited a couple of times. An error just after falling behind very nearly gifted Blackburn a quickfire second.

Matt Clarke - 5

While Boro largely dominated, there was a gaping gap in between Boro’s centre-backs that was almost exposed a few times. In the end, that wasn’t the means, but the lack of clearance from Clarke in dealing with a cross handed on a plate for Andi Weimann to fire the winner.

Lukas Engel - 7

Another solid outing for the Dane as he continues his comeback from injury. He defended solidly and, encouragingly, looked bright in possession too. There was some decent infield balls and a couple of dangerous balls down the channel too.

Law McCabe - 8

A third senior start for the 18-year-old and another really bright performance. He was aggressive out of possession to win the ball back a good few times and then really confident on the ball, with some really clever turns out of pressure to get Boro on the front foot. On a day of little quality from either side, that earns him man of the match.

Dan Barlaser - 7

Solid performance again in the centre of the park. He was positive in possession, looking to work the ball forward as much as possible and effective in keeping Boro on the front foot, albeit without any reward.

Micah Hamilton - 6

He looked more natural on the right and linked well with Gilbert in particular throughout. He still just lacked that bit of oomph to make use of a couple of positive openings out wide in the same way Ben Doak would, for example.

Alex Gilbert - 7

Looked like a player from the off who really wanted to make an impression. He found the gaps in between defence and midfield well, much like Azaz usually does, and was full of intent to make things happen.

Riley McGree - 5

Struggling to find form right now. He just couldn’t really grasp any influence in the game from an attacking view point and there were a couple of slack passes that didn’t help.

Delano Burgzorg - 6

Starting as a centre-forward, he worked hard throughout and hassled defenders. But with the Blackburn defence proving tough to break down he had little service or sight at goal.

Substitutions

Marcus Forss (For Hamilton, 65’) - 6 - Looked a little rusty, which is perhaps understandable, and left Dijksteel exposed for the winning goal.

Hayden Hackney (For McCabe, 76’) - 6 - One decent effort from range but unable to help Boro back into the game.

Emmanuel Latte Lath (For McGree, 76’) - 6 – Worked hard but was unable to help unlock the stubborn Blackburn defence.