Stoke City 0 Middlesbrough 2 - Player ratings

REPORT: Neil Warnock's Middlesbrough reign off to a flying start with 2-0 win at Stoke City.

The win was only their second from their 12 league outings, with goals from Ashley Fletcher and Marcus Tavernier either side of the interval securing all three points.

Here are the match ratings as Boro leapfrogged Stoke to move further away from the relegation places.

Dejan Stojanovic, 8: The Middlesbrough goalkeeper made a string of fine saves with the game still in the balance, keeping out three efforts from James McClean who could have had a hat-trick.

Marvin Johnson, 7: Solid enough at the back as he helped Middlesbrough keep what was only their second clean sheet in 12 outings.

George Friend, 7: Commanding presence at the back as Boro leapfrogged Stoke and boosted their survival hopes.

Daniel Fry, 8: Made two key blocks to get his side out of trouble. Stoke had 22 shots but were limited to few clear-cut chances.

Djed Spence, 7: Another key defensive cog for Warnock's charges.

George Saville, 7: Helped press well and was on hand to help out at right-back to deal with the threat of James McClean.

Jonny Howson, 7: Was deployed in a central midfield role after being used as a right-back in last week's defeat to Swansea City. Helped control the tempo and managed the game well in the final half hour.

Paddy McNair, 6: Did a good job in the first half but was subbed just after the second goal, which had come after a period of domination from the hosts.

Britt Assombalonga, 8: An excellent display from the centre forward who held the ball up well to relieve pressure. Did a superb job in the final half hour when he was left up top on his own.

Ashley Fletcher, 8: His header put Boro ahead, a key moment following a spell of dominance from the hosts.

Patrick Roberts, 7: Provided a delicious cross for the opener and enjoyed a bright start to the game. Was replaced by Tavernier just after the hour.

Substitues: Marcus Tavernier (Patrick Roberts 61) 7

Lewis Wing (Paddy McNair 63) 7

Ryan Shotton (George Saville 81) 7

Not used: Adam Clayton, Ravel Morrison, Harold Moukoudi, Lukas Nmecha, Nathan Wood-Gordon, Aynsley Pears.

Stoke City: Butland; Smith, Batth, Chester, Martins Indi (Vokes 58); Sorensen (Ince 41), Thompson (Cousins 58); McClean, Powell, Clucas; Campbell (Gregory 79). Unused substitutes: Ward, Davies, Oakley-Boothe, Tymon, Collins.