Middlesbrough players celebrate one of their goals in their win at Hull CityGetty Images

This was the first time Middlesbrough had scored four goals in the first half of a match since a 5-1 home win over Norwich City in April 2023

Ian Woodcock
BBC Sport England

Promotion-chasing Middlesbrough inflicted an emphatic defeat on Hull City after scoring four first-half goals.

The kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes as heavy rain and strong winds affected traffic conditions, but the visitors were totally unperturbed by their late arrival to the ground and made a storming start.

David Strelec gave them an early lead with a composed finish and Alex Gilbert doubled their advantage with a crisp 20-yarder, before Morgan Whittaker lashed home from just inside the area and Riley McGree made it 4-0 from close range a minute before the break.

Shell-shocked Hull replied in the 62nd minute as Joe Gelhardt scored his 10th goal of the season from the penalty spot after being felled in the area, but there was never any chance of a comeback.

Victory moved Boro five points clear of third-placed Millwall, although they are still seven points behind runaway leaders Coventry City.

The Tigers, who have scored the second most goals in the league, but also conceded the second highest, remain one point outside the play-off spots in ninth.

Hellberg's men make it hell for Hull

This comfortable win made it two wins from as many games for Boro's new Swedish boss Kim Hellberg.

His side completely outclassed the woeful hosts in the first half to leave the match over as a contest before the interval.

Strelec finished smartly after Whittaker got first contact on a McGree cross from the left and the ball landed at the Slovakian international's feet.

The Tigers did not manage a shot of any sort in a horrible opening period and fell two behind when Gilbert, making his first appearance of the season, hit a quality low strike beyond Ivor Pandur in the home goal after lacklustre defending.

Gilbert then set up Whittaker to cut inside from the right and fire a third minutes later, although the Tigers were perhaps a little unfortunate as the Boro midfielder may have fouled Regan Slater in winning the ball on halfway.

The passive hosts could have no complaints at the fourth goal, though, as they allowed the visitors to pass through them with ease and McGree was able to score at the second attempt.

Boro, understandably, dropped off in the second half and Gelhardt pulled a goal back after visiting keeper Sol Brynn caught him in the area, although the contact seemed minimal.

Middlesbrough will look to build on this when they travel to out-of-sorts Charlton on Tuesday, 9 December (19:45 GMT). Hull, who would have gone third with victory on Friday night, will aim to put this dismal showing behind them when they host Wrexham on Wednesday, 10 December (20:00 GMT).

'It was like it was Christmas today' - Hull City reaction

Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic told BBC Radio Humberside:

"It's very simple, we gave away a lot like it's Christmas today. We were very bad in possession and open play. There were so many mistakes I could not believe it.

"It was a bad day in the office. Middlesbrough were much, much better than us.

"This was my worst game since I was here.

"I knew it would be tough because they are a very good team but I was thinking that we would give more resistance. We gave away too much and in this league that is goals."

'Absolutely brilliant' - Middlesbrough reaction

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg told BBC Radio Tees:

"The players' performance today was absolutely brilliant.

"We executed the plan to make it difficult for Hull. We were very good at playing where the space was, if it was behind them we used that space or in front of the backline and we were good on the counter and pressing.

[On Alex Gilbert's first game for the club since January] "He's a very clever footballer and he's very good at taking information quickly and adapting to that on the pitch. He's good on the ball and in the duels. I've seen the good things he's done in training and I gave him the opportunity today.

"I'm looking forward to a good weekend I must say that - I'll watch a lot of football tomorrow and then back in training on Sunday."

Player of the match

H. Hackney
8.61
21 J. Gelhardt
4.14
10 M. Belloumi
4.06
4 C. Hughes
3.97
7 L. Millar
3.69
2 L. Coyle
3.60
3 R. Giles
3.53
24 D. Gyabi
3.30
25 M. Crooks
3.28
1 I. Pandur
3.24
27 R. Slater
3.20
15 J. Egan
3.11
11 D. Akintola
2.93
22 K. Joseph
2.77
39 E. Destan
2.77
6 S. Ajayi
2.71
20 A. Hadžiahmetović
2.69
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