Confidence boost for Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough will happily settle for this result in six days’ time as they gave themselves a vital psychological edge over West Ham.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s 17th goal of the season and a second-half spot-kick from Massimo Maccarone served notice of Boro’s intent ahead of the FA Cup semi-final clash between these sides on Sunday.

With that game sandwiching a two-legged UEFA Cup semi-final against Steaua Bucharest, boss Steve McClaren’s side at least approach the most important eight days in the club’s history high on confidence.