Aston Villa 0 Middlesbrough 2

Boro took the lead after half an hour with a brilliant move capped by Boudewijn Zenden's close range header and then the Dutchman won a penalty just after half time which Michael Ricketts converted.

Steve McClaren will be delighted with his side's display as they rarely looked troubled by a disappointing Villa - who had not lost at home in the league until now.

Boro started well and Juninho had a good chance after just five minutes, but his attempted half volley was too tame to trouble Thomas Sorensen in the home goal.

Villa had their best chance just moments later when Marcus Allback met a Mark Delaney cross, but debutant Carlo Nash held the ball well.

Gavin McCann went close moments later, but then Middlesbrough took control and dominated the rest of the half.

Gaizka Mendieta blasted over a 25-yard free kick, before the first goal arrived. Franck Queudrue picked up the ball on the left and swung over a wicked cross which was met by a brilliant diving header from Zenden who saw his effort rocket past Sorensen.

Boro continued to dominate the possession and had further half chances through Mendieta and Zenden, but nothing that really troubled Villa.

The visitors started the second half as bright as the first and doubled their lead after just five minutes. Zenden broke down the left and was chased down by Lee Hendrie, but he tangled with the Dutchman, who fell just inside the area and referee Dermot Gallagher gave the penalty - which was coolly slotted home by Ricketts for his first goal of the season.

Villa had brought on both Darius Vassell and Thomas Hitzlsperger at half time and the pair improved the overall play of the home side, but not much.

Vassell had his side's best effort in the second half just before the hour when he rifled in an effort form the edge of the area, but Nash easily took the ball.

Peter Whittingham saw a free kick evade everyone in the area, when any touch would have seen a goal, while Hitzlsperger had an effort go just over.

Boro were happy to sit back and absorb what little pressure their was and let their impressive midfield trio Gaizka Mendieta, Juninho and Zenden counter-attack.

The Teessiders hung on easily and captain Gareth Southgate led his side to their first win at Villa for over 25 years.