Middlesbrough have beaten Millwall 3-0 at the Riverside Stadium to return to the top of the Championship.

Despite losing two of their last three games, there were no signs of Middlesbrough lacking in confidence as they quickly took control against the relegation-threatened visitors.

Millwall managed to survive long spells of pressure as Kike headed straight at David Forde from a promising position, before Lee Tomlin's low effort was cleared off the line by Shaun Williams.

Ian Holloway's side were only able to remain on level terms for 25 minutes as the influential Tomlin linked up with Albert Adomah to set up Patrick Bamford, who finished calmly to hand the hosts a deserved lead.

Bamford played a pivotal role in doubling the advantage before the break as he controlled a long ball forward to create the chance for Kike to fire home from close range.

Adomah beat a couple of defenders on the wing to create another opportunity for his side early in the second half, but Grant Leadbitter could only head over.

Millwall enjoyed a spell on top to suggest that the home side would be in for a tough finish, but the visitors almost fell further behind when Forde saved from Adomah, who had been gifted the space to meet Leadbitter's free kick.

It was left to substitute Jelle Vossen to wrap up the win with a simple finish from close range after Forde had denied George Friend.