Middlesbrough 1 Wolves 2 – player ratings

John Ruddy

A couple of iffy moments from crosses in the first half and then he was bizarrely booked for time wasting just before half time (Ruddy said afterwards he wasn't even given a customary warning by Stuart Attwell). Life the rest of the defence he ramped things up in the second half, commanding his box and producing an excellent save from Traore. 7/10

Ryan Bennett

Wolves are constantly noted for being big spenders but when they signed Ryan Bennett on a free transfer last summer (not to mention Ruddy on a free and Barry Douglas for one million smackers) they showed they can't half pick a bargain too. What a signing he's turned out to be. A model of consistency and he was exceptional here, throwing his body in the way of everything Middlesbrough fired into the Wolves box. Fancy playing right wing back on Tuesday though Ryan? 9/10

Conor Coady

The heartbeat of this Wolves team. The epitome of courage. Again he led by example with a Herculean effort, typified when he took a goalbound shot full in the chest in the 96th minute to seal this most frantic of victories. His celebrations at full time showed you exactly what it meant to him, as it does week after week. Coady guy is living and breathing this promotion race and leading Wolves over the line as if his name was Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of Nuno's army. He will have his vengeance for being sold by Liverpool, in this life or the next. 9/10

Willy Boly

Rumour has it Donald Trump was on the blower at 7.30pm last night asking for Boly to be shipped to Mexico. The Wolves Wall was unbeatable yet again in a superb show of strength and dominance. Like Coady and Bennett he made a couple of brave and vital blocks. Never shirks a challenge or his responsibilities – and does everything with the utmost class. If he were to stay for a few seasons he would become a Wolves legend, of that there is little doubt. 9/10

Matt Doherty

Offered a great outlet at times in the first half and was involved in the opening goal when feeding Costa, with whom he's struck up a good partnership in the past couple of games. Could have no complaints over his red card, which was foolish. He'll be missed on Tuesday. 7/10

Romain Saiss

Came into his own in the last half an hour after Neves' red, providing a forcefield in front of the back line. Earned a customary booking when Wolves collectively lost their heads. It was his 10th of the season but he avoids suspension as the cut-off date passed earlier this month. Ran himself into the ground for his team, as the striking below picture shows. One of three players to return late from Africa and head straight into an extremely high intensity game. He did Wolves proud. 8/10

Ruben Neves

Until the 55th minute he was the best player on the pitch, doing his thing, effortlessly caressing the ball around with all the care and attention of a mother bird protecting its young and trying to create his own goal of the season competition with a couple of 25-yard belters that nearly broke Darren Randolph's wrists. Then he went and spoiled it all by doing something stupid like absolutely smashing into George Friend when on a booking. Oh Ruben. 7/10

Barry Douglas

The assist king did it again with his 13th (THIRTEENTH) of the season. No one in the whole of the Championship has created more goals. This one came from his right boot (a first) when he delicately chipped towards Helder Costa who volleyed home. And then it was Douglas' corner that led to the second goal, with his trademark whipped inswinging corner being met by Boly. Saved an almost certain goal when brilliantly getting a toe onto the ball when Bamford was about to shoot. What a season he's having. 9/10

Helder Costa

Netted his fourth goal in nine games with a spanked volley after it was his initial great feet and shot that had been rebounded back out. More menace than Dennis down that right flank and then in the second half he transformed into a disciplined full back in the mould of Paolo Maldini. That's what a few months on Nuno's training ground does to you. Could barely walk when he departed six minutes from time. Superb effort. 8/10

Benik Afobe

Starved of service in the first half. His team mates tried to chip him in over the top but it never came off. Did more than his fair share of dirty work and later revealed he'd never felt as tired on a football pitch, owing to his late return from Africa. 7/10

Ivan Cavaleiro

Approaching double figures for the season after netting his ninth goal in 39 league appearances, this one a rare header when he was in the right place at the right time after Boly' effort was saved. Involved in the first goal too when he kept the ball alive following Costa's shot. Sacrificial lamb after Neves' red but he'll be one of few players who are fresh for Tuesday. 8/10

Substitutes

Alfred N'Diaye (for Cavaleiro, 58)

Great effort from N'Diaye who said afterwards he'd felt like he'd played 90 minutes. 7/10

Leo Bonatini (for Afobe, 63)

Barely touched the ball in what was very much a lone striker role with Wolves defending so deeply. 6/10

Morgan Gibbs-White (for Costa, 84)

Could get his big chance from the start on Tuesday in either central midfield or perhaps at right wing back. N/A

Subs not used: Norris, Batth, Hause, Vinagre.