A hat-trick from Jelle Vossen has put Middlesbrough in complete control of their Championship match against Millwall as they lead 4-0 at the break at The Den.
The home side had the first opening of the game when Shaun Williams was afforded space and time just outside the area, but he failed to hit the target as he blazed his strike over the bar.
Middlesbrough thought they had taken the lead as Vossen powered a header at goal which looked to have crossed the line before David Forde clawed it away, but the officials ruled that it was not a goal for the forward.
However, Vossen did fire his side ahead in the 21st minute when he latched on to Daniel Ayala's ball over the top of the defence and the striker maintained his composure as he slotted the ball past Forde.
Middlesbrough doubled their lead minutes later when Vossen's cross was deflected into the path of Bamford at the back post and he slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
Vossen continued his excellent first half when he notched his second goal of the game as he completed a fine attacking move from the visitors by poking the ball past Forde from close range.
The striker completed his hat-trick in the 44th minute when Bamford won the ball in the final third and teed up his teammate, who was left with a simple finish.
Simon Sinclair
