Tony Pulis’ side produced a confident display at the Riverside Stadium to move within one point of Championship leaders Leeds, who had beaten Preston on Tuesday.

Middlesbrough took the lead through George Saville’s 34th-minute goal, and Britt Assombalonga netted in the closing moments to seal the points.

At the other end of the table, two goals in three minutes gave QPR a third win in their last four league matches as they defeated struggling Millwall 2-0 at Loftus Road.

After losing their first four Championship games, Steve McClaren’s QPR have steadied the ship.

They had a helping hand from Millwall goalkeeper Ben Amos, who was culpable when Massimo Luongo headed in a 30th minute opener.

Ebere Eze bundled a close-range shot beyond Amos for the second goal after more poor Millwall defending.

Nottingham Forest moved above Sheffield Wednesday after a 2-1 victory over the Owls at the City Ground.

Lewis Grabban touched in a 41st-minute free kick before João Carvalho curled in a second for Forest with 63 minutes gone.

Steven Fletcher’s deflected 88th-minute goal was too late to spark a Wednesday fightback.

Birmingham remain winless after a goalless draw against Sheffield United.