Middlesbrough 2 Charlton Athletic 0 JULIO ARCA has not had the best of times since joining Middlesbrough - but his first goal was a little pre-Christmas bonus for those who have stood by him.

Arca, a £1.75m buy from North Sea neighbours Sunderland in the summer, struck in a stunning half volley seven minutes after half-time to put Boro in cruise control against relegation fodder Charlton.

With Middlesbrough already a goal to the good courtesy of Aiyegbeni Yakubu's 29 minute opener, the little Argentinean's left foot strike from 18 yards had too much pace and power for goalkeeper Scott Carson.

It cemented a victory that Middlesbrough, with a trip to Everton pencilled in for Boxing Day, were crying out for after slipping into the drop zone prior to kick-off, following West Ham's draw with Fulham.

Now manager Gareth Southgate, while Charlton start to seriously consider life in the Championship next season, will be looking to go onwards and upwards with the New Year approaching.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Davies, Woodgate, Pogatetz, Taylor; Morrison (Parnaby 87), Boateng, ARCA, Downing; Viduka (Christie 74), Yakubu. Subs: Subs (not used): Jones, Rochemback, Johnson.

CHARLTON (5-4-1): Carson; Sankofa, Fortune, El Karkouri, Hredidarsson, Traore (Rommedahl 65); Kishishev, Holland, Faye (M Bent 54), Hughes; D Bent. Subs (not used): Myhre, Hasselbaink, Diawara.