How the Middlesbrough players were rated after their 2-2 draw at Ipswich Town
David Strelec of Middlesbrough celebrates scoring (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Middlesbrough’s automatic promotion hopes appear to have been ended in the cruellest of fashions as a late controversial penalty decision cost them the victory at Ipswich Town.
Leading 2-1 thanks to David Strelec and Tommy Conway goals with three minutes remaining, referee Jarred Gillett ultimately guessed when Adilson Malanda and George Hirst came together in the box.
Jack Clarke finished the resulting penalty, resulting in a 2-2 draw which is unlikely to be enough for Boro in the race for automatic promotion.
But, particularly in the second half, there was a lot for Boro to be encouraged by. Here’s how the Boro players were rated.
Sol Brynn – 7
A couple of edgy moments early on, but settled well, made a couple of importance saves and was solid dealing with a few dangerous crosses into the area too.
Luke Ayling – 6
Struggled at times with the pace of Ipswich’s attackers and fell to sleep for the first Ipswich goal. But recovered well and enjoyed a better second half.
Dael Fry – 7
Tough first half battling with Azon, where he was second-best to a lot of 50-50 duels. Much better after the break where he was back to his domineering self, winning his duels and making some big defensive headers.
Adilson Malanda – 6
It’s soft, but it’s also clumsy from Malanda, to give the referee a decision to make so late in the game, when Hirst never looked like getting on the end of it. It costs Boro ultimately. Before that, he was sloppy in possession first half but much improved and a big factor behind Boro being the better side after the break. Stepping into midfield, he regularly played Boro through the press.
Callum Brittain – 7
Worked hard up the right, needing to make sure he didn’t neglect his defensive duties either. Playing a role in both Boro goals.
Aidan Morris – 7
Another solid performance. Was a tough first half, with Boro sloppy and slow on the ball, and therefore unable to get through the press. But he battled away before dominating the second half and helping Boro produce a much better display.
Alex Gilbert – 5
Struggled with the pace, intensity and physicality of the match. Lack of game-time left him looking a yard off the pace and sloppy in possession.
Matt Targett – 6
Allowed McAteer to get away from him too easily for the first Ipswich goal. He did as much as he could otherwise, without being a threat going forward and while always struggling with the pace of the forwards.
Alan Browne – 7
Encouraging performance as he was restored to the right of Boro’s attack. Incredibly, against the much bigger Jacob Greaves, he won so many aerial duels in the first half. He then set up Strelec’s opener too, in a solid outing.
Tommy Conway – 7
Back among the goals and working hard for his side throughout. Came much more to life in the second half as Boro started to find a way through the Ipswich press, offering Conway space to drive and create a few chances for his side.
David Strelec – 8
Strelec’s best performance in a Boro shirt. As well as the goal, he played a huge role in the second and was a huge threat throughout in a proper number 9’s performance.
Substitutions
Jeremy Sarmiento (For Gilbert, 60’) – 6 – Unlucky not to have sealed the win for Boro. His brightest Boro outing since his cameo at Coventry.
Sammy Silvera (For Strelec, 82’) – N/A.
Morgan Whittaker (For Conway, 90’) – N/A – Encouraging to see him back from injury.
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