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Middlesborough 2 – Hull 0: Steve Bruce's unhappy return
STEVE BRUCE endured an unhappy return to the North-east as Middlesbrough cemented their top-six spot.
Two goals in seven secondhalf minutes settled a scrappy Championship encounter to see Hull and their former Sunderland manager fall away from the Championship play-off places.
Bruce said: "The better team won. That's the worst we've played since I've been here."
Faris Haroun's first goal for 10 months put Middlesbrough in command. The Belgian rounded Ben Amos to roll the ball into an empty net from close range after a stunning 60-yard burst from defender George Friend.
Man-of-the-match Friend was involved as Boro doubled their lead in the 66th minute thanks to Ishmael Miller opening his account with his first goal for more than a year.
Amos blocked efforts from Friend and substitute Scott McDonald, but the Hull keeper could not prevent Miller firing home the loose ball.