Middlesbrough endured a riot at a wet and windy Hull City, continuing their perfect start under new manager Kim Helberg with a 4-1 away win to consolidate second place in the Sky Bet Championship.

After David Strelek opened the scoring, Alex Gilbert, Morgan Whittaker and Riley McGree all scored for the visitors in the space of 12 minutes before half-time.

Although Joe Gerhardt pulled a goal back after the hour, the damage was done as a win for Middlesbrough left them five points ahead of third-placed Millwall heading into the weekend.

In the 9th minute, the home team fell behind. McGree’s cross from the left was touched by Whittaker. The ball fell on Strelek, who turned around and shot. Hull City had an offside priority, but in vain.

Hull were given a penalty just after the half-hour mark when Semi Ajayi hesitated on the ball and Strelec shot wide, but they gave up possession sloppily on the restart and Gilbert made the most of it in the 32nd minute.

Gilbert, who scored the only goal when the two teams last met on New Year’s Day, struck again, firing a low first-time shot past Ivor Pandure from the edge of the box after being defended by Tommy Conway.

Just three minutes later, Gilbert pressured Regan Slater in midfield, forcing a turnover and feeding Whittaker, who cut inside with his left foot and deftly rounded Pandure to score for the fourth game in a row.

Shocked Hull City’s goal was breached again in the 44th minute when Alex Bangura was allowed to come in from the left and cut back to the unmarked McGree, who recovered from a mistake with his first touch to beat Pandur at the near post.

Hull were jeered after the fourth goal and at half-time, with many disappearing before the restart, but the home side pulled one back in the 62nd minute.

It was Middlesbrough’s turn to be sloppy in possession and a loose backpass resulted in Gerhardt being tipped over by Sol Brynn in the box, with the Hull forward converting the penalty for his eighth goal in 10 games.

However, Hull were unable to provide much help thereafter and were booed again by those who stayed, with Middlesbrough cruising to a comfortable victory seven points behind leaders Coventry.

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Hull City’s Sergei Yakirovic:

“(We were) very bad tonight. We made too many mistakes in the first half. At least we showed a reaction in the second half.

“We were in a bad mood today and Middlesbrough were much better than us. When you’re 3-0 down inside 30 minutes it’s a very difficult game. We tried to make it better by making substitutions but it didn’t work.”

“I could have substituted 11 players at half-time. In terms of possession we were very poor. My players were terrified of receiving the ball.

Kim Helberg, Middlesbrough:

“It was a good night. I loved the four goals and the attitude of the players – they were calm on the ball, brave and everyone wanted to play.”

“I’ve watched a lot and I thought they were very, very good. I was a bit surprised at the speed and fluidity they had on the ball. I’m proud of them. The feeling at half-time was really good – but we knew what to expect, I was watching the (Manchester) City game the other day!

“I thought (Alex) Gilbert in the midfield was great. He showed great quality in the game. I have really good players. They work hard – thanks to them it was easy for me. Now the focus for the next game is Charlton and we will try to win again.”