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Middlesbrough enjoyed an impressive victory on Friday evening, with the feel-good factor present around the Riverside Stadium.
Middlesbrough beat West Brom 2-1 in the first fixture of game week six as David Strelec scored on his first Boro start.
Strelec was substituted at half-time by Rob Edwards, and his replacement Kaly Sene scored Middlesbrough’s second of the evening.
Ryan Mason should have started Mikey Johnston after the winger provided the assist for Aune Heggebo’s header as injury time approached, which ultimately had no impact Boro’s win.
Eyebrows were raised by Edwards dropping Morgan Whittaker after last weekend’s Preston North End saga, and the Boro wideman has expressed his thanks to the Middlesbrough faithful.
- READ MORE: Ryan Mason pinpoints where West Brom went wrong vs Middlesbrough as ‘moments’ prove costly
Morgan Whittaker’s message to supportive Middlesbrough fans
At Preston last weekend, Middlesbrough fans slammed Whittaker on social media for his lacklustre performance, which saw Boro supporters sarcastically cheer at Deepdale when he was withdrawn.
Edwards clapped back at the Middlesbrough fans who jeered Whittaker, outlining that “we protect our own and look after our own.”
Following the Whittaker dilemma, Middlesbrough fans wanted Sverre Nypan to start instead against West Brom, and those fans got their wish as the former Plymouth Argyle ace started from the bench on Friday.
With Boro 2-0 up, Edwards brought Whittaker on with 79 minutes played, and the attacker was greeted with chants of support from the Riverside stands following the criticism last weekend.
After the West Brom win, Whittaker said on his Instagram: “Thank you for the fantastic support, it means a lot.❤️
“Another W under the lights, the boys are incredible🔥”.
Edwards said Nypan will be a key player this season for Boro after he made the difference off the bench at Preston in Whittaker’s place.
After the Manchester City loanee impressed against West Brom, Whittaker could be facing a struggle to displace the youngster for the trip to Southampton on Saturday.
Rob Edwards’ message to Middlesbrough fans after West Brom win
Not only did Whittaker take to social media to thank the Middlesbrough faithful following the West Brom win, but the Boro boss did too.
Edwards said on Instagram: “Another strong night at the Riverside. So proud of the togetherness and resilience of this team. UTB.”
Edwards hailed Middlesbrough’s “resilience” to see out the win against West Brom, and Whittaker will have to continue displaying that important trait to prove his Boro doubters wrong going forward.