The scoreline did not tell the whole story of a magnificent night in the north-east for West Ham United.
Cheered on by nearly 1,500 die-hard supporters, the Hammers earned a fine 2-0 away win at Middlesbrough and underlined their promotion credentials in the process.
Goals from Freddie Piquionne and Carlton Cole did the damage but there were terrific displays all over the pitch. From Robert Green in goal through to the forwards, there were positives upon positives for Sam Allardyce to reflect on as he and the team flew back to London.
It was to be slower going on the way home for the travelling army of fans on a freezing night, but they will have hit the road in high spirits. The Hammers have now won six and drawn one of their last seven outings and are hard on the heels of leaders Southampton.
A six-point cushion has opened up on third spot, and with Burnley to come to the Boleyn on Saturday, hopes are high the run will continue. Another three wins would take Big Sam's men in front of the 1990/91 side in terms of points after 22 games but the main thing is to keep rolling on in the push for promotion.
MIDDLESBROUGH IN PICTURES
It was incredible support yet again from the Hammers fans
They and the players paid their respects to Gary Speed
Guy Demel was a surprise inclusion for his Hammers debut
Freddie Piquionne rose to head in a ninth-minute opener
He was naturally delighted to score for the second away game in a row
Sam Allardyce urged his men on to take full control after the break
And Carlton Cole rewarded a fine team performance with a late clincher
Robert Green was unbeatable again and joined the fans in celebration