Patrick Bamford guided Middlesbrough into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with two second half goals to earn a 2-0 away win over 10-man Aston Villa.
The former Chelsea and Nottingham Forest striker proved a troublesome opponent for Villa's skipper Tommy Elphick, who was sent off in the 58th minute for a foul on Bamford which conceded a penalty.
Bamford converted the spot kick and sealed Villa's fate nine minutes later with another goal to produce Boro's first League Cup win over the Midland club in five encounters.
It was also Villa's first defeat in seven games and a result which could not be disputed.
Aston Villa 0-2 Middlesbrough
