Middlesbrough are through to the last sixteen of the FA Cup despite missing a number of chances against League Two visitors Accrington Stanley at the Riverside.
The winning goal arrived when Stewart Downing struck into the top corner from around twenty-five yards with just over twenty minutes remaining.
Boro were forced into an early change as defender George Friend went down injured and was replaced by youngster Dael Fry.
But winger Viktor Fischer twice threatened for them and Downing curled wide before Patrick Bamford’s low drive was turned aside by on loan Slovakian keeper Marek Rodak.
Romuald Boco soon required Dimi Konstantopoulos to block at the expense of a corner at the other end while Fischer replied at Rodak from distance.
The Teessiders went forward upon the restart but their opponents were remaining firm as both Fischer and Downing were kept out by covering blocks.
However, Downing finally broke through with an excellent 69th minute finish into the corner before Rudy Gestede found himself being thwarted by the keeper.
Sean McConville was narrowly wide with a header but Boro substitute Cristhian Stuani then wasted a couple of late opportunities to extend the lead.
Middlesbrough: Konstantopoulos, Friend (Fry 9), Bernardo, Gibson, Fabio, Fischer (Traore 61), Clayton, Leadbitter, Downing, Bamford (Stuani 70), Gestede
subs (unused): Negredo, de Roon, Valdes, Forshaw
Goals: Downing (69)
Accrington Stanley: Rodak, Rodgers, Hughes, Beckles (Gornell 90), Donacien, Davies (Clark 74), Clare, Conneely, Boco (McCartan 74), Kee, McConville
subs (unused): Hewitt, Shaw, Chapman, Edwards
Ref: A. Taylor
Att: 24,040
Share this article
