🎥 Pearson praise for squad application

Andi Weimann and Antoine Semenyo’s goals either side of half-time and some gutsy defending were enough to see Nigel Pearson’s men over the line.

Pearson told Robins TV: "In terms of result and application it's what I wanted. We were not always at our best but I give Middlesbrough credit - they are a really good side.

"The most important thing was the result, especially on a day when we welcomed on to the pitch the Ashton Gate Eight who had a very fitting response and reception from ours and the Middlesbrough fans."

The manager went on to discuss Andi Weimann's being 'everywhere on the pitch'; Semenyo's performance, which included a goal and an assist, Sam Bell's start at wingback followed by Cam Pring's introduction after 65 minutes; and Dan Bentley's return.

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