Viduka leads Boro to easy win

Socceroo Mark Viduka's brace has helped Middlesbrough to a comfortable 3-0 away victory at Birmingham City overnight.

The Teesiders travelled to St Andrews hoping to overcome the loss to Tottenham on the weekend, while Birmingham aimed to make amends for their poor display against Manchester City.

Viduka was making his first appearance since facing Crystal Palace in early April, where he lasted just nine minutes. An injury to Spaniard Gaizka Mendieta gave Viduka a starting birth and he didn't let Steve McClaren down.

On 13 minutes who drove home James Morrison's low cross to give Middlesbrough an early lead. Viduka nailed a stunning second when he headed for the by-line to receive a throw, then turning defender Kenny Cunningham, hit a swerving shot which slammed into the roof of the net.

Birmingham struggled to find any rythym in their play, frustrating the home fans, who booed them off at the half time whistle.

Jerrmaine Pennant worked hard to create some opportunties but without the injured Emile Heskey, Birmigham struggled to find the final pass.

Manager Steve Bruce threw on Mikael Forssell and Muzzy Izzet in desperation but Middlesbrough closed the door on a comeback when Franck Queudrue slid Stewart Downing's cross into the back of the net on 70 minutes.

Meanwhile on the south coast, Portsmouth picked up their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa.

The Villans lived up to their nickname when Peruvian Nobby Solano was sent off for elbowing Richard Hughes after Hughes fouled him on 11 minutes. In a cruel irony, Hughes accidentally headed past his own goalkeeper from the resultant free kick and Villa took the lead.

Portsmouth were guilty of wasting chances. The talented Lomana Lua Lua almost netted a stunning volley after a deep cross from Colombian John Viafara but found the side netting instead.

On the half hour mark, Viafara tangled with Gareth Barry in the box but penalty claims were turned down by referee Graham Poll.

On 41 minutes Portsmouth drew level with a magnificent strike from Lua Lua. After a long ball from Karadas, Lua Lua cut in on the left hand side and curled a blistering shot in from outside the area.

Portsmouth had plenty of chances to win the game, especially when Gary O'Neil blazed over in front of an empty goal, but Villa will head home happy to have salvaged a point.

Manchester City recorded their second away victory in a row with a 2-1 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland were taught a lesson in the quality of top flight finishing as excellent strikes from Darius Vassell and Trevor Sinclair gave City a comfortable lead.

On-loan Liverpool striker Anthony Le Tallec gave the Black Cats some hope with a header on 41 minutes but it wasn't enough to overcome a City side now holding its longest unbeaten record since 1977.

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