Britt Assombalonga and Djed Spence struck late on to help Middlesbrough break a dogged Coventry City side and extend the Teessiders' unbeaten run to seven games.
Neil Warnock's side dominated possession for large parts of the game but had to be patient in creating the golden opening, as a well organised Sky Blues side stood firm until the late breakthrough.
Boro's Marcus Tavernier rapped a first-half shot at goalkeeper Marko Marosi, one of few genuine chances in the opening 45 minutes as the visitors provided a formidable barrier.
Sam Morsy hit the bar, via a deflection, as the hosts upped the work-rate in search of an opener, but intricate efforts to break through continued to break down thanks to fine defensive work from Dominic Hyam, Leo Ostigaard and Kyle McFadzean.