Birmingham City - 0 Middlesbrough - 3: Middlesbrough supporters have seen little evidence of the qualities that made Mark Viduka one of the most sought after strikers in Europe during his time at Leeds, though last night they were treated to a masterclass in finishing from the Australian as he plundered his first goals for more than eight months to help Steve McClaren's side to an impressive away victory.
Viduka, who has been plagued with injury problems since arriving on Teesside, scored twice in the first half before Franck Queudrue added a late third to earn Middlesbrough a first victory of the season that condemned Birmingham to a second successive home defeat.
Viduka had already scored once when he added a superb second. There appeared to be no danger when he received Queudrue's throw-in with his back to goal, but a sharp turn and clever touch that took him away from Nicky Butt, Mario Melchiot and Kenny Cunningham, creating no more than a yard of space.
What followed was breathtaking, as the striker propelled a right-foot shot from an acute angle high into the top corner beyond the outstretched hand of Maik Taylor.
Viduka was as clinical with his first opportunity. James Morrison swapped passes with Michael Reiziger on the Birmingham right before delivering a low cross that the striker swept past Taylor with aplomb.
The home side's defensive frailties had already been highlighted as early as the 10th minute when Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink escaped the offside trap only to drive a right-foot shot narrowly wide of Taylor's far post.
Steve Bruce introduced Mikael Forssell and Muzzy Izzet at half-time. The substitutions gave Birmingham fresh impetus though possession was not converted into chances.
The same could not be said for Middlesbrough who put the game beyond the home side's reach with 19 minutes remaining when Queudrue turned home Stewart Downing's inswinging free-kick.
Guardian Service
BIRMINGHAM: Maik Taylor, Melchiot, Cunningham, Upson, Lazaridis, Pennant, Butt, Tebily (Forssell 45), Clemence (Izzet 45), Jarosik, Pandiani (Gray 68). Subs not used: Vaesen, Clapham.
MIDDLESBROUGH: Schwarzer, Reiziger, Ehiogu, Southgate, Queudrue, Morrison (Bates 89), Parlour, Boateng, Downing, Hasselbaink (Maccarone 74), Viduka (Job 78). Subs not used: Doriva, Jones. Booked: Boateng. Goals: Viduka 14, 45, Queudrue 71.
Referee: P Dowd (Staffordshire).
