By Middlesbrough Football Club

Boro’s Under-23s were unable to replicate last midweek’s PL Cup efforts after going down by a single goal at Stoke City.

A Douglas James-Taylor header after 15 minutes settled matters at the bet365 Stadium.

Boro actually had the first opportunity of the game when Joe Gibson was denied by Nna Noukeu, but the home side were soon in front when James-Taylor headed home a Sam Clucas corner.

There was little in the way of entertainment, though Ollie Swan was called upon to make some decent saves either side of the interval, including two to deny Edward Jones.

Boro almost snatched a point in the closing stages, but Noukeu denied Stephen Walker in a one-on-one and also thwarted substitute Sonny Finch.

The defeat leaves Boro in bottom spot in PL2 Division 2 after Reading were victorious against Derby.

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