Middlesbrough have moved into the Championship playoff spots after defeating crisis club Portsmouth at Fratton Park this afternoon.

After a goalless opening period, goals from Barry Robson, Matthew Bates and Marvin Emnes were enough to give Tony Mowbray's men the three points.

The visitors took the lead after 56 minutes when Ricardo Rocha brought down Seb Hines in the area. Robson stepped up and powered home the penalty and Boro were soon two ahead when Bates fired home inside the area.

Portsmouth were given hope when Lukasz Jutkiewicz handled a Rocha shot and Greg Halford coolly slotted home the spot kick.

Emnes put the game to bed seven minutes from time by capitalising on Stephen Henderson's parry to poke home.

As the encounter drew to a close Rhys Williams was sent off for the visitors after a second bookable offence.

The win sees Boro move up three places to fifth while Michael Appleton's Pompey remain 23rd.