How the Middlesbrough players rated as they lost 2-1 against Millwall
15:32, 03 Apr 2026Updated 15:34, 03 Apr 2026
Josh Coburn of Millwall scores against Middlesbrough(Image: PA)
Middlesbrough suffered what could prove a huge psychological blow to their promotion hopes after a dramatic second-half drop-off, and a Josh Coburn double, resulted in a loss to promotion rivals Millwall.
Boro had looked so dominant in the first half and led through Dael Fry’s header. But once again passing up other opportunities to extend their lead, they were punished.
In a performance of two halves, Boro were poor after the interval and allowed Millwall back into the game. Coburn, sold in the summer by Boro, scored both as Millwall won 2-1 and leapfrogged Boro into second spot. Here’s how the Boro players were rated.
Sol Brynn – 6
Unlucky to come out on the losing side. Nothing he could do with either goal and was really unlucky to not keep out the first from close-range – just beaten in the end by power. Didn’t have too much to do overall, but did make important saves just before and just after the first goal.
Luke Ayling – 6
Largely positive performance, winning his duels and playing out from the back. But he couldn’t help Boro regain their composure after a poor start to the second half.
Dael Fry – 6
Scored what, on another day, might have been a big goal. Was unlucky when another chance after that was blocked on its way through to goal. But he also missed a really early opportunity and it looked to impact him for a little while in what was a sloppy start. He recovered and battled well throughout.
Adilson Malanda – 5
It had been a largely positive performance from the Frenchman. He won his duels and was stepping out of defence well and helping Boro play out. But then, with four minutes remaining, his unforgivably poor simple pass results in the break that wins Millwall the game.
Callum Brittain – 5
Had so much space to attack the right wing in the first half, but ultimately couldn’t make enough of it to do much of real note. Then struggled to help Boro get a grip of the game in the second half.
Aidan Morris – 7
Boro’s best on the day. His aggression out of possession had Boro dominating the first half and he played some excellent balls to set Boro away on counters. Boro didn’t ever have the same control in the second half, but Morris still set Boro away on their best move after the interval.
Alan Browne – 6
Like most of the Boro players, he did well in the first half as he returned to a midfield role. He had an early headed chance and did well when on the ball. But Boro lost their control and Browne was unable to combine with team-mates and get to grips with the second half.
Riley McGree – 7
Like Morris, he was one of Boro’s best despite the pair travelling so far during the week to be back for this one. He picked up pockets of space and started so many attacks in the first half, and was unlucky to see a couple of efforts blocked too. Perhaps it was telling as Morris faded and McGree couldn’t find the space, Boro couldn’t enjoy much momentum after the break. There was then little on the bench to change things.
Matt Targett – 6
Didn’t have quite as much freedom to attack as Brittain but largely dealt with the threat of Azeez throughout before injury forced him off. One opportunity as he broke in behind, but Strelec’s ball through lacked power to give him enough of a chance to make more of it.
Tommy Conway – 5
His work-rate can’t be faulted and in general, he gets involved with so much play. But he looks a player really lacking confidence in and around the box. Whether it’s the wrong pass or the wrong run, he just seems to lack conviction around the goal right now.
David Strelec – 6
Was probably one of Strelec’s best performances for Boro, particularly in the first half. His touches and link up play were as good as they’ve been. He didn’t really have any opportunities to score though, and the comparison will inevitably be made to the man at the other end who won the game for his side when he might have been a Boro player.
Substitutions
Alex Bangura (For Targett, 79’) – N/A
Jeremy Sarmiento (For Brittain, 90’) – N/A
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