Matt Crooks scored two goals and set up another as Middlesbrough beat Birmingham City to record a sixth win in seven games and move back into the Championship play-off places.
Boro went ahead 12 minutes into the second half when an unmarked Crooks headed in at the back post to convert Jonny Howson's deep cross from the right flank.
Two minutes later, the former Rotherham midfielder doubled the lead after pouncing on a poor touch by Blues defender George Friend and guiding the ball past goalkeeper John Ruddy.
Tahith Chong gave the Blues hope with 16 minutes remaining with a header from close range after Auston Trusty nodded a Troy Deeney cross back across goal.