Job and Nemeth reward Downing's dazzle

But it was an awe-inspiring display from teenage winger Stewart Downing that left the Riverside crowd gasping.

The 19-year-old ripped Fulham's experienced backline to shreds with an incessant determination to beat his man and cross to his waiting teammates.

Downing's loan spell at neighbours Sunderland last month was cut short when manager Steve McClaren needed him to boost an injury-hit squad.

Now McClaren must be thinking of accommodating the local product on a regular basis. Downing, an England youth international, played his part in both Boro's goals with his outstanding ability to deliver from set-pieces.

First Job, who could yet be the answer to McClaren's striker problems, put Boro in front in the first half after a Downing corner.

Then, after the restart, the youngster's free-kick was dealt with appallingly by Fulham keeper Edwin van der Sar and it led to Nemeth tapping in after some quick thinking by defenders Ugo Ehiogu and Gareth Southgate.

Those goals ensured Boro's testing January got off to the best of starts and it secured their first top-flight victory - and goals - at the Riverside since November 1.

Not even an injury-time consolation strike from Fulham substitute Barry Hayles could dampen the ecstatic home support.

Boro now have a daunting trip to Arsenal on Saturday and a home fixture with Leicester before three successive cup ties with the Gunners in a period which threatens to determine whether McClaren enjoys a successful campaign.

But with Job back in the fold, after a long spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, the Boro boss may not have to borrow chairman Steve Gibson's cheque book.

The Cameroon man's first goal since September was a reminder of his talents.

Fulham, tipped as relegation certainties by many in August, have been transformed into serious challengers for a European place.

With the craft and guile of Frenchman Steed Malbranque and Manchester United target Louis Saha's prowess in front of goal, the Cottagers have become a force to be reckoned with in the top-flight.

The hosts were buoyed by the return to the side of Juninho, although Gaizka Mendieta was ruled out by illness.

Australian Under-23 international Brad Jones made a comfortable League bow in the continued absence of No 1 Mark Schwarzer with a back problem. Ironically, Schwarzer's former deputy, Mark Crossley, was only named as a substitute for Fulham.

Crossley has been unable to hold down a regular place following his £500,000 move in August due to the recent good form of van der Sar.

And the giant Dutchman showed exactly why early on when his quick reactions thwarted a Downing cross which was deflected goalwards by Zat Knight - a sign of things to come.

Boro, who had already appeared to stifle the threat of Saha through some rough tactics by Ehiogu, had started like a side belying their poor League form at the Riverside.

They were rewarded for their bright opening when Job put them in front just before the 15-minute mark. He volleyed on the turn high into the net after van der Sar had initially got down low to parry a low drive from Ehiogu following Downing's backpost corner.

That heralded the beginning of an open and adventurous night of football, with Boro doing the majority of the attacking, although Fulham did have their chances.

Those created by the visitors before the interval, though, were cooly dealt with by debutant Jones.

After the break Downing's free-kick found the head of Franck Queudrue close in, but instead of going in, the ball somehow flew up and over the bar.

Downing nearly capped a memorable personal display but his outstretched left boot somehow guided Danny Mills' cross within a whisker of finding the net.

That sent Boro into overdrive. And they finally scored again when Nemeth tapped in to make the most of van der Sar's howler.

Although Hayles did narrow the margin late on, Boro had done enough to secure the points.

Result: Middlesbrough 2 Fulham 1.

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