Charlton 1 Middlesbrough 2

MANAGER Alan Curbishley fired off a stark warning to his players that they and he are under pressure following Charlton's dismal sequence of one win in eight Barclays Premier League games.

Saturday's defeat, Charlton first at home in the league this season, drew a sharp retort from Curbishley.

"We've got to get our heads up and do something about it because it's no good feeling sorry for ourselves," he said.

"The players must accept that no matter who they are, if they are not playing well, they will come under pressure for their places.

"We've got to get results and if we don't then even I come under pressure."

The first Middlesbrough side to win at the The Valley in the top flight since 1949 knew their margin of victory might have been considerably more had they been swifter to appreciate the sheer ineptitude of the opposition.

"I've never won here, never scored a goal, so this is a major breakthrough," said Boro manager Steve McClaren.

His side took a comical 20th minute lead when Dean Kiely's miscued clearance fell to Stewart Downing. Chris Perry's clearance went only as far as Boudewijn Zenden whose shot struck Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink with the rebound going into goal off Talal El Karkouri.

Jonatan Johansson gave Charlton hope with a 47th minute equaliser from Jason Euell's excellent pass.

But Middlesbrough regained the lead in the 57th minute when Zenden rifled in the winner after exchanging passes with Mark Viduka.

Attendance: 26,031