Pharrell Willis fired Boro to victory against Southampton at the Riverside.
Willis struck seven minutes before the break to earn Boro victory from a tight contest against a good Saints side.
Middlesbrough U21: Connor, Dede (Patterson-Powell 45'), Woolston, Samuels, McCormick, Johnson, McCabe, Willis (Sykes 77'), Stott, Acheampong, Finch (Nkrumah 73')
Subs: Nkrumah, Lennon, Patterson-Powell, Sykes, Fisher
Southampton U21: Abbotson, Payne, Moore, Kayi-Sanda, Dobson-Ventura, Malak (Udoh 66'), Bragg, Akachukwu, Robinson, Dipepa (Ehibhatiomhan 62'), Larios (Sesay 66')
Subs: Davis, Shombe, Sesay, Udoh, Ehibhatiomhan
There was little to choose between the two sides in a stop-start opening period.
In a game littered with free-kicks chances were at a premium.
The visitors headed over following a corner and Sonny Finch also went close after a set-piece, but there was nothing in the way of goalmouth action until Boro took the lead.
Finch released to Willis, who hammered the ball home to give Mark Tinkler's side the advantage.
The visitors started the second half on the front foot and Shea Connor was called upon to make a number of saves.
Both Willis and Law McCabe had efforts blocked when Boro came forward and Prince Acheampong went close.
Luke Woolston also sent an effort wide.
The closing stages saw the visitors pushing for an equaliser, but Boro held firm to take the points.
Possession
52%Shots
16Shots On Target
4Corners
15Fouls
113
0
Cards
1
0