Under-23s rampant at the Riverside

United led 2-0 at the break with both goals coming from Arnau Puigmal, but Boro pulled one back, before Tahith Chong ensured victory and will claim a double himself, even if his first may, ultimately, go down as a Daniel Dodds own goal.

One or two fans in the crowd looked a little worried just before the kick-off when the stadium lights started flickering, but there was no need for concern as the disco-style light show was just Boro’s novel way of introducing the action.

There was a chill in the air, which is hardly surprising for this little corner of the country in November, and drizzle was falling as the teams emerged from the tunnel.

There was little to separate the teams in the opening…