Boro were cruising at 3-0 early in the second half but plucky Hull made them work hard for their victory.
A debut goal from Seb Hines set Boro on their way in the first half, then two goals early in the second half from Mark Viduka and Yakubu (pen) looked to settle the tie.
Two goals in as within five minutes gave Hull a lifeline, before Viduka restored the two goal cushion, but Hull came back again to set up a tense final 20 minutes.The relief was plain to see around the Riverside as the final whistle blew.
Credit to Hull, they never gave up, roared on by around 2500 vociferous supporters, they should stay in the Championship if they play with a fraction of the spirit that they showed last night.
Now on to another potential banana skin, away to Bristol City in ten days time, but first back to the bread and butter, and a very important Premier League game at the Riverside against Bolton on Saturday.