Middlesbrough sweep aside Watford as play-off push gathers pace | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: Middlesbrough thrashed Watford 5-1 to bolster their play-off spot. In the sixth minute Morgan Whittaker whipped a free kick into the top corner, and on the stroke of half time David Strelec headed in from his cross. After the restart the Hornets halved the deficit through James Abankwah (48.), Whittaker restored Boro's cushion (58.), then Tommy Conway converted a penalty after a handball (75.). The Hornets managed only three efforts on target. Boro rise from fifth to fourth and visit Wrexham next, while the Hornets drop from 15th to 16th and host Coventry City.

Player of the Match: Morgan Whittaker decided it with two goals and an assist, leading Boro with five attempts and even rattling the bar.

Stat of the Match: Boro produced nine shots on target from 20 attempts, a ruthless return that underpinned their dominance.

Three Things We Learned: Whittaker's set piece threat and volume told, with two goals, one assist and five attempts. Conway's impact off the bench was decisive, his brace including a penalty that killed the contest late in the game. Boro's control showed in 55.9% possession and 88.4% passing accuracy, reflecting how they dictated the ball and territory.