BBC pundit Neil Maddison has heaped praise on Middlesbrough duo Hayden Hackney and Ben Doak after their impressive performances in Tuesday’s 1-0 win against West Bromwich Albion.
Boro went into the game as slight underdogs despite coming up against a West Brom side that were still reeling from a narrow 3-2 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday.
What followed was an end-to-end contest with both sides creating plenty of chances to win the game, but Middlesbrough ultimately came out on top thanks to a 73rd-minute strike from Hayden Hackney.
Despite Hackney’s man-of-the-match performance, Liverpool loanee Ben Doak also got some of the spotlight after an exceptional display at the Hawthorns.
West Brom’s all-time highest goalscorer, Tony Brown, has already touted Doak as ‘one to watch out for’ this season, and Maddison has joined the growing chorus of praise for the Scottish talent.
“Before the game, we would have taken a draw all day long,” Maddison said on BBC Tees.
“But as the game went on, I felt it was there for us. We were the better side, and we created better opportunities.
“There were great individual performances from Boro as well. The two midfielders [Hackney and Doak] especially were outstanding.
“What a win that is – a statement win.”
Middlesbrough manager Carrick also waxed lyrical about his side’s ‘fantastic performance’ at the Hawthorns.
“It was a fantastic performance all round,” the former Manchester United midfielder said (via BBC).
“We were solid defensively, and we had good control for the majority of the game. It was a proper game – they’re a really good team and we had to be at our best.
“There was a lot to be really proud about tonight. I enjoyed watching the boys, and I thought there was a goal in us. It was a fantastic finish from H (Hackney) – he just passed it in.”
The crucial win lifted Middlesbrough into the play-off places, four points behind pacesetters Sunderland, and they’ll be eager to build on it when they take on Watford at Vicarage Road next weekend.
