Millwall 1-5 Middlesbrough

Vossen failed to find the net in 12 appearances for Boro this season before today's hat-trick

Striker Jelle Vossen broke his goal drought in style with a first-half hat-trick as Middlesbrough thrashed Millwall at The Den.

Kenneth Omeruo supplied Vossen's first before Adam Reach provided for Patrick Bamford to double Boro's lead early on.

Reach then squared for Vossen to tap in a second before he coolly completed his treble from Bamford's rebounded effort.

Scott McDonald notched a close-range consolation for Millwall but substitute Kike added a fifth for Boro late on.

It was an impressive afternoon for Vossen, who signed on loan from Genk in September, after he had failed to find the net in 12 previous appearances this season.

Vossen glanced an early Grant Leadbitter free-kick against the inside of the far post before the ball was clawed away by Lions goalkeeper David Forde.

Soon after, Vossen broke the deadlock when he latched onto Omeruo's high ball before slotting past Forde.

Reach then cut the ball back for Bamford to grab his seventh goal of the campaign before he was the provider again, this time for Vossen's second.

Bamford nearly doubled his tally but, after seeing his shot blocked by Forde, Vossen was on hand to tuck the ball away and seal his hat-trick.

McDonald's late consolation did nothing to spur an unlikely Millwall fightback as Kike replied a minute later with Boro's fifth.

Middlesbrough are now unbeaten in seven matches but the hosts have just one win in 15 and sit just above the Championship's relegation zone.

Millwall manager Ian Holloway: "I apologise to the supporters for that performance. That team was unrecognisable.

"I won't blame anybody because the responsibility is mine. I'm shocked and horrified.

"It was an awful day, probably my worst in football. But it will make us stronger."

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka: "It's been a difficult week for everyone, especially me, and the players have been brilliant.

"I know how good Jelle [Vossen] is, and when you are a very good striker one day the goals will arrive.

"He's been working hard every day and today he took his chance so I'm very happy with him."