Two goals from Christian Stuani have helped Middlesbrough move into the automatic promotion places with victory over Brentford.

Aitor Karanka's men almost led inside the opening minutes as David Nugent latched on to Emilio Nsue's cross before dragging his effort wide of the target.

After Marco Djuricin sent a shot just past Dimi Konstantopoulos's post, Nugent threatened again for the hosts as he brought a save out of Brentford stopper David Button in his 100th game for the Bees.

Stewart Downing then tried his luck from a free kick and had Button sprawling across his goal as the strike hit the side-netting.

Boro's pressure finally paid off as Diego Fabbrini's pinpoint delivery was diverted into the back of the net by Stuani.

Moments after the break, Brentford were back on level terms as a pass back from Daniel Ayala bounced off Konstantopoulos and gifted a chance to Lasse Vibe, who had the simple job of tucking the ball into the net.

However, the Bees fell behind for the second time as Albert Adomah's cross allowed Stuani to rifle the ball into the net from close range.

Middlesbrough sealed victory with 13 minutes left after Nugent teed up Adomah, who smashed the ball into the top corner.