Superb goals from Hayden Hackney and Ben Doak ensured Boro deservedly returned to winning ways at the Riverside.
Hackney’s drive from range put Michael Carrick’s men into a first half lead and after dominating much of the proceedings, Doak sealed the victory with a curling strike in the closing stages.
The result ensured Boro leapfrogged opponents West Brom in the Sky Bet Championship table.
Possession
57%Shots
12Shots On Target
1Corners
4Fouls
71
0
Cards
0
0
Albion were under the charge of Boro legend Tony Mowbray for the first time since he was reappointed head coach last week.
But the Baggies were on the back foot early, with Boro dominating possession and probing for an opener.
The pressure gradually increased as the first half progressed and one flowing move led to a cross from Hackney which was sent over by Emmanuel Latte Lath on the half volley.
The deadlock was deservedly broken by Boro just before the half-hour, and the goal was scored in some style.
Hackney received the ball 25 yards from goal, took a touch and unleashed a tremendous dipping drive which nestled in the bottom corner.
It was the midfielder’s second goal against West Brom this season and buoyed by his breakthrough, the Teessiders went in search of more.
A powerful strike from Finn Azaz was beaten away by Baggies goalkeeper Alex Palmer, the returning Aidan Morris fired wide from distance and Latte Lath was just unable to get enough on a Neto Borges cross.
Boro went in at the interval in confident mood after a positive first half display.
Middlesbrough: Glover, Ayling, Fry, van den Berg, Neto Borges, Morris, Hackney, Doak, Azaz (Barlaser 82'), Burgzorg, Latte Lath
Subs: Dieng, Barlaser, Clarke, Gilbert, Hamilton, Forss, Engel, Bailey Palmer, McCabe
West Brom: Palmer, Furlong, Holgate, Heggem, Styles, Fellows, Mowatt, Molumby (Swift 65'), Johnston (Cole 78'), Diangana, Grant (Wallace 66')
Subs: Wallace, Swift, Taylor, Diakité, Racic, Wildsmith, Frabotta, Bostock, Cole
West Brom attempted to turn the tables after the break and started in much-improved fashion.
A period of strong territory culminated in a header from Mason Holgate which Tom Glover did brilliantly to tip onto the post.
Boro stemmed the flow of Albion attacks and started to regain control themselves, without creating clear-cut opportunities to go further in front.
That was until Doak notched brilliantly seven minutes from the end, gliding inside onto his left foot before curling into the top corner.
The goal averted any late Boro nerves and they were able to see the game out comfortably to claim maximum points.
