BURNLEY moved back to within two points of the Championship play-off places after three goals before half time sent them on the way to a comfortable victory over Middlesbrough.

The Clarets had seemingly slipped out of contention for the top six after taking just one point from a possible 18 but back-to-back home wins over Swansea and now Middlesbrough have lifted them up to ninth and put them right back in the play-off hunt.

The Clarets dominated the first half and Jay Rodriguez headed over an early Chris Eagles cross.

Eddie Howe's side took the lead in the 22nd minute when Eagles dummied Danny Fox's low corner and Rodriguez arrived near the penalty spot to fire home.

It was 2-0 just a minute later as Rodriguez surged past the halfway line and played in Wade Elliott, who smartly sidestepped Joe Bennett before crashing the ball into the roof of the net to round off a fine counter-attacking goal.

Michael Duff added a third in the 37th minute as he met Fox's deep corner at the far post and headed home.

Brian Jensen saved an effort from Middlesbrough's Scott McDonald just before half time but Burnley continued to push forward after the interval and Rodriguez curled narrowly wide from outside the box before heading over from a corner.

The Clarets lost Andre Bikey to injury, though, and Middlesbrough pulled a goal back with nine minutes left as former Burnley loanee Rhys Williams struck the post from the edge of the area before Andrew Taylor drilled home the rebound.

Rodriguez lashed wide at the end of a thrilling run late on, while Boro keeper Paul Smith had to scamper back to keep out Jack Cork's long-range effort as Burnley finished the game in control.

Burnley: Brian Jensen; Tyrone Mears, Michael Duff, Andre Bikey (Clarke Carlisle 71), Danny Fox; Wade Elliott, Jack Cork, Dean Marney (Graham Alexander 90), Chris Eagles (Nathan Delfouneso 76); Jay Rodriguez, Chris Iwelumo. Subs not used: Lee Grant, Shane Duffy, Ross Wallace, Steven Thompson.

Middlesbrough: Paul Smith; Tony McMahon (Leroy Lita 59), Matthew Bates, Stephen McManus, Joe Bennett; Barry Robson (Tarmo Kink 59), Rhys Williams, Kevin Thomson (Richie Smallwood 59), Julio Arca, Andrew Taylor; Scott McDonald. Subs not used: Danny Coyne, Andrew Davies, Willo Flood, Andrew Halliday.

Referee: Mark Haywood.

Attendance: 14,366.

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