Boro's Under-21s extended their unbeaten start to the PL2 campaign with a fine win on the road at Liverpool.
Nathan Fisher, Isaac Fletcher and Sonny Finch came into Boro's line-up at the AXA Training Centre, in three changes from the side that had beaten Wolves nine days ago.
There was little by the way of goalmouth action in a keenly contested first half, Calum Kavanagh stinging the palms of goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek with Boro's clearest opening.
But Mark Tinkler's side put their hosts to the sword the second half, Isaac Fletcher breaking the deadlock five minutes into it with a smart finish into the bottom corner.
The Teessiders had a second ruled out for offside minutes later, and soon after that the advantage was doubled as Sonny Finch rattled home a volley.
As the second half progressed, Boro took further control, Nathan Simpson pouncing on a loose ball to fire home a third.
And Kavanagh made it four with ten minutes remaining, latching onto Terrell Agyemang's pass and rounding Mrozek to finish.
Liverpool had the final say, but Thomas Hill's goal was scant consolation, the afternoon ending on a further sour note for the frustrated home side with Josh Davidson dismissed for a poor challenge in the closing minutes.
Photo: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC