Transfer-listed striker Danny Dichio earned West Brom Albion their first win in 11 games as high flying Middlesbrough again struggled to hit top form on the road.
Dichio, who was put up for sale when his off the field attitude was questioned by manager Gary Megson, rifled home his first goal of the season after 72 minutes to cap an impressive Albion performance.
They had dominated affairs only to be frustrated by the form of the Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
Boro failed to mount a threat before Dichio struck but were able to muster a late challenge when they twice hit the bar.
Albion would have been well in control of affairs by half time but for an assured display by Schwarzer.
He dived full length to his left after 13 minutes to beat away a 20-yard free-kick from wing-back Neil Clement after Jason Koumas had been hauled down on the edge of the area.
Middlesbrough were rarely seen as an attacking force in the opening exchanges despite the fact that Massimo Maccarone, Joseph Job and Alen Boksic formed a three-man frontline.
Albion carried more of a threat through Jason Roberts and the recalled Lee Hughes but were frustrated by Schwarzer.
The Australian international continued to impress when he came up with two more top draw saves to twice deny Albion's hard-working Welsh international midfielder, Andy Johnson.
Albion continued to press after the break with central defender Sean Gregan twice going close before their pressure finally paid a dividend after 72 minutes.
Middlesbrough failed to deal with a cross from Neil Clement and when the loose ball fell to Larus Sigurdsson he fired in a low drive.
It cannoned off Albion centre-half Darren Moore and fell invitingly into the path of Dichio who drilled home a low drive at the near post.
Albion then had to survive two threats to their advantage when Job headed a cross from Tony Vidmar against the bar nine minutes from time.
Job suffered a head injury in the process when he collided with Albion defender Moore.
Both players were forced off - leaving Middlesbrough to play the final nine minutes with ten men as they had already used their three substitutes.
But they still managed to make one more bid to salvage a point from the game when substitute Noel Whelan also headed on to the bar in injury time