Middlesbrough 3 Doncaster Rovers 0

Last updated : 07 May 2011 By Northern Echo

The youngster who hails from Chester-le Street delivered a calm finish from ten yards that followed Barry Robson's stunning free-kick and a Leroy Lita strike to complete a wholly satisfying afternoon for Tony Mowbray's side who close the season in the top half of the table.

After a subdued first half Robson unleashed an unstoppable drive from the edge of the penalty box after Lita had been upended by a fairly tame challenge. After the break, the home side turned on the style and spurned a host of chances before Lita put matters beyond doubt.

Mowbray made one change to the side that stunned Cardiff City on Monday, as Scott McDonald returned to partner Lita in attack and Tony McMahon dropped to the bench with Justin Hoyte slotting in at right-back.

With Emnes finding space just behind the front two Boro carved open a host of chances that should have seen them run up a scoreline to underline their dominance over a lacklustre Doncaster Rovers outfit. Lita and Emnes could both have grabbed hat-tricks if their finishing had matched some impressive approach play from the likes of Richie Smallwood and Kevin Thomson who continued to underline their improvement under Mowbray's tutelage. Shortly after the break the Boro boss handed Reach his first team debut to replace Robson on the left flank. The youngster made an immediate impression by sending in a dangerous cross that almost created Boro's second, but Emnes and then Lita couldn't apply the killer touch.

After 66 minutes Lita eventually found a way past Neil Sullivan, firing past the veteran keeper but the striker earned himself a yellow card for an exuberant celebration as he ripped off his jersey and cast it to the turf. Reach hit a third in injury time to cap an impressive afternoon.

After the final whistle the Boro players made the now customary end of season lap of honour to thank the home faithful for their support. If they can continue this form into the next campaign Mowbray's side could be parading the Championship trophy around the Riverside next May.

Middlesbrough: Steele;Hoyte,McManus,R Williams,Taylor;Thomson,Smallwood (Park 72), Robson (Reach 52),Emnes;Lita,McDonald (McMahon 59).

Subs (Not Used): P Smith,Kink,Halliday,L Williams.

Doncaster Rovers: Sullivan;O'Connor,Thomas,Kilgallon,Dumbuya (Martis 75);Wilson,Gillett (Sheils 69), Moussa (Sharp 61) ,Oster;Euell,Hayter.

Subs (Not Used): Maxted,Sharp,Hird,Lucas,Husband.

Referee: Iain Williamson (Berkshire) Attendance: 19,978 Goals: Robson 45, Lita 66, Reach 90

Source: Northern Echo

Source: Northern Echo