MASSIMO MACCARONE came off the bench to claim victory for Middlesbrough over West Ham.

The £8million Italian struck with 15 minutes remaining to settle a game which had limped through the first half but increased in tempo the longer it went on.

In a game of few chances, Stewart Downing had earlier gone close for Boro and Marlon Harewood for the visitors, while Aiyegbeni Yakubu wasted a glorious opportunity to put the home side ahead. The win will come as some relief for underfire Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate who left £6million signing Robert Huth on the bench.