So much to like as we see work done off-pitch pay off

MIDDLESBROUGH could take plenty of encouragement from their friendly against Rangers, despite not coming away with the victory they deserved.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

They drew 2-2 at Ibrox after leading 2-0, meaning new head coach Rob Edwards is still waiting for his first win since replacing Michael Carrick in the Boro hot-seat. There were plenty more positives to take from this one though, as Edwards focuses more on preparing his side for when it really matters in two weeks’ time.

Displaying huge improvements from their showing last Wednesday evening at Bradford City, Middlesbrough dominated for the majority of the game and they scored both goals from set-plays again, through Neto Borges and Dael Fry.

With some lessons to learn but still plenty to like, here is our match debrief.

THE GOALS

9 mins: Boro 1-0, Borges - A dangerous corner from Morgan Whittaker is flicked on by Dael Fry at the near post. Borges, only starting due to an injury to Rav van den Berg in the warm-up, is well-placed in the six-yard box to fire home.

57 mins: Boro 2-0, Fry - Another set-piece, this time a deep free-kick from a wide area. Whittaker again delivers and Fry beats the offside trap beyond the back post. He volleys it central where Leni-han gets on the end of it. Though he makes a mess of his effort, it falls kindly for Fry to fire in.

64 mins: Rangers 1-2, Danilo - Just moments after Rangers introduce the majority of their regular starters, two combine to get their side back in it. Max Aarons crosses and Boro get their offside trap wrong and Danilo runs in unopposed to head beyond Sol Brynn.

79 mins: Rangers 2-2, Curtis - Rangers execute an excellent plan from a corner to help Raskin evade a marker. Tom Glover makes a good save to deny his header but Curtis is on hand to fire home the rebound from close range.

BORO'S BEST PLAYER