Second-half goals from Brad Potts, Scott Sinclair and Emil Riis gave the hosts all three points as the Teessiders struggled to cause problems at the other end of the pitch.
Our Boro writer Joe Nicholson has dished out his marks from the match – scroll down and flick through the pages of our picture gallery to see them:
9. Marvin Johnson - 7
Boro’s best player going forward and delivered a few inviting crosses that weren’t converted. 7 Photo: George Wood
10. Duncan Watmore - 5
Made an early charge into the penalty area but faded and was subbed in the second half. 5 Photo: PA
11. Britt Assombalonga - 4
Hardly had a touch in the first half and endured a frustrating evening on his return to the starting XI. 4 Photo: Getty Images
12. Marcus Tavernier - 5
(for Howson, 63) - A few flashes which didn’t come to anything. 5 Photo: George Wood