Both teams wasted possession as they tried to build momentum; Boro in particular was guilty of turning the ball over deep in their own half, but Patrick Roberts’ dangerous charge into the box was stopped by an excellent challenge from Aidan Morris. Within seconds, the visitors were made to pay as Boro defender Matt Clarke wasted a clear header from a Finn Azaz corner in the 24th minute.

Edmundson had misdirected goalie Seny Dieng by partially blocking Roberts’ shot.

Seizing the rebound, Rigg boldly backheeled the ball into the net while the angle continued to work against him. Referee Simon Hooper waived aside Mundle’s shouts for a penalty following Ayling’s reckless challenge, and when the visitors sped away, Latte Lath missed a lob. This led to a contentious end to the first half.

With the home team attempting to end the match, Roberts curled a shot just wide of Dieng’s far post in the 51st minute. However, Boro substitute Ben Doak forced a hasty clearing by debutant Chris Mepham in the 66th minute after being given into space by Conway’s deft pass.

Boro’s desperation was evident when Morris sliced a left-foot drive wide of Anthony Patterson’s right post. Although they managed to generate some momentum, they continually over-extended in the final third, and Mundle’s free-kick in the 79th minute may have made things worse for them.