Middlesbrough were able to capitalise on the tension inside Ewood Park, which only grew as Tommy Conway fired them in front with just 74 seconds gone, to defeat Blackburn Rovers 2-0.
A superb bit of skill to flick the ball past Joe Rankin-Costello, left the Scottish international striker with the chance to fire a left-footed strike into the back of the net.
Rovers were condemned to their fifth successive defeat in the Championship.
Meanwhile, the visitors held on for the three points to boost their play-off hopes.
FAST START: Middlesbrough’s Tommy Conway celebrates scoring the opener PICTURES: Alamy
Great finish
“It was an ideal start,” Boro boss Michael Carrick said.
“You couldn’t really ask for much better than that.
“I thought it was fantastic, great movement, a great finish from Tommy and we built on that really.
“Credit to Blackburn, they made us work, it was never really dead.
“One goal would have flipped it so the boys stayed on it, stayed really focused.
“A third goal would have been ideal to finish it, but I’m really happy with that.”
It was the 12th goal of the season for Conway, with the 22-year-old summer signing from Bristol City the club’s top goalscorer.
“Tommy’s quality,” Carrick added.
“He’s still young, he’s still learning, and he’s still adapting and developing.
“I think it’s really exciting.
“He’s only been here a short period of time, and when he’s played his goals to minutes ratio is pretty impressive.
“The exciting part is I think there’s still a lot more to come.”
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