George Miller's hat-trick clinched a fifth successive Division 2 win for Middlesbrough as they beat Aston Villa 4-1.
Miller opened the scoring from close range on 14 minutes, and Boro's control of the match was rewarded with a second from the striker just after the hour mark.
He completed his hat-trick with a header before Villa's Mitchell Clark was shown a straight red card for a heavy challenge.
Mitchell Curry added the home side's fourth, before Harvey Knibbs pulled a goal back for Villa and then Boro's Tom Brewitt was sent off.
Boro, six points clear at the top of Division 2, host Stoke City on Friday 22 September in their next match. Villa welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Villa Park three days later.
See: Middlesbrough report
