Britt Assombalonga's lone goal secured Middlesbrough a 1-0 victory over Stoke City in Friday's Championship outing.
The 26-year-old gave the hosts an early lead at the Riverside Stadium with his effort in the second minute.
Assombalonga was assisted by Jonathan Howson in scoring his 12th league goal of the season on his 39th outing for Tony Pulis' side.
The goal separated both teams for the entire 90 minutes as Boro held on to the lead which moved them back to sixth in the Championship table with 67 points from 43 matches.
Middlesbrough have now won their last three games in the Championship after overturning a seven-game winless streak.