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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

The Swansea City player ratings as young gun hooked early and defender sees red at Middlesbrough

Swansea City went down 2-1 to Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

Here's how the visitors rated:

ANDY FISHER 5

Decent enough on the ball, and not much he could do about Middlesbrough's two first-half goals. A few nervy decisions.

NATHAN WOOD 5

Starting against his former club, Wood showed plenty of confidence and composure on the ball early on but was more erratic as the game wore on.

KYLE NAUGHTON

Pretty solid, all things told, from the experienced defender. Read play well numerous times to intercept.

Read more: Jesse Marsch offers hint on Leeds United starlet's future and young gun to sign new contract

BEN CABANGO 4

Impressive in the air, particularly from defensive set-pieces. Carried the ball upfield well too. Swansea's best performer for long spells but was booked for a foul following a sloppy touch and then red carded following a petulant shove, hence the significantly reduced mark.

RYAN MANNING 5

More threatening in attack after switching to left wing-back, but final ball was lacking.

JOE ALLEN 5

Kept Swansea ticking over in the middle of the park. Nothing flashy. Subbed in the second half.

MATT GRIMES 5

A quiet display, particularly in attack, from the captain who drew groans from the Jack Army on numerous occasions with some of his cautious passing.

CAMERON CONGREVE 4

On his first league start of the season, Congreve always looked to go forwards when on the ball but his loose pass was intercepted for Boro's opener. Couldn't dig the ball out of his feet after being picked out by Cabango and was hooked after the second goal. Tough day.

JOEL PIROE 6

Anonymous for long spells but attempted to trouble Boro late on in the opening half as he fired wide having created a chance for Manning just earlier. Better after the restart and put some decent balls into the box. Cool penalty to set up a tense finish.

OLIVIER NTCHAM 4

Didn't really ask any questions of the Boro defence and had a shot blocked right at the end of the first 45. Subbed.

MICHAEL OBAFEMI 5

Poor shot at goal just before Middlesbrough's opener and didn't get a sniff after that despite his good work-rate.

Subs

Matty Sorinola (for Congreve) - Had a really tough time against Ryan Giles and wasn't able to provide the attacking threat needed either until the latter stages. Better late on but too little too late, as with others. 5

Ollie Cooper (for Ntcham) - Brought energy to the Swans in the second half and at least showed some fight. Some cynical fouls as his side chased. Booked. 6

Liam Cullen (for Allen) - Had a few tame headers at goal and played a part in Swansea's late surge. 6

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