Conor Chaplin's deflected first-half strike set a relentless Ipswich Town on their way to a 15th win in 20 Championship games as Middlesbrough slipped to a third loss in four matches.
Boro failed to muster an attempt on target before the break, offering little in the final third after falling behind when Chaplin blasted in his eighth goal of the season via the head of the unfortunate Matt Clarke.
Emmanuel Latte Lath did curl a decent effort narrowly wide and then, after the break, had a header well saved by keeper Vaclav Hladky as Boro improved.
But the Tractor Boys sealed victory when Omari Hutchinson showed great composure to slot the ball home when one-on-one for Town's 43rd league goal of a free-scoring season.