Fulham 0 Middlesbrough 2: Boro beginning to hit form at the right time

The victory lifted them to the same points tally as second-placed Hull, with a game in hand, to keep them well within touch of an automatic promotion place.

Two early goals from Albert Adomah and Grant Leadbitter settled the contest by half-time to leave Karanka content.

“I told the players after the game against Leeds the way we were playing would mean we would start winning games,” he said.

“Sometimes when we score one goal we have problems scoring the second one. We scored two goals quickly (at Fulham) and after that the game became easier.

“If we were to win every single game by 2-0, it would not be a problem for me. I know we are going to score goals because we have a lot of good players. Adomah played the same as he did on Tuesday, and when he plays like that he’s one of the best in the league.”

The hosts had the perfect start after just three minutes. Stewart Downing found space to cross into Adomah, who was left alone in the area to head home his seventh goal of the season.

The lead was doubled on 20 minutes when Chris Baird upended David Nugent. Captain Leadbitter sent Andrew Lonergan the wrong way from the spot.

Fulham were reduced to 10 men on 86 minutes, albeit in controversial circumstances. Richard Stearman was shown a red card for fouling substitute Jordan Rhodes as the defender slipped.

Fulham: Lonergan, Fredericks (Dembele 22), Stearman, Burn, Madl, Garbutt, Cairney, Parker, Baird (Labyad 57), McCormack, Tunnicliffe (O’Hara 68). Unused substitutes: Richards, Kacaniklic, Lewis, Hyndman.

Middlesbrough: Konstantopoulos, Nsue, Fry, Gibson, De Laet, Forshaw, Leadbitter, Adomah, Ramirez (Friend 87), Downing (Stuani 73), Nugent (Rhodes 79). Unused substitutes: De Pena, Mejias, De Sart, Kalas.

Referee: C Breakspear (Surrey).

Man of the match: Albert Adomah.