Middlesbrough turned over Accrington Stanley in a workmanlike performance on Saturday, winning their FA Cup fourth-round tie by a score of 1-0. Ultimately, the gap between the Premier League and League Two sides showed, with the style and class of Stewart Downing's goal making the difference on the day.
Positives
Boro continued the attractive playmaking style that they persisted with in the 3-1 defeat against West Ham last time out. The team held their own despite a number of changes in the lineup and were not particularly troubled by a nervous Stanley side.
Negatives
Boro had defensive worries going into the game, such as the month-long sidelining of Calum Chambers and the suspension of Daniel Ayala.