Middlesbrough 1-0 Accrington Stanley: Stewart Downing spares Boro's blushes with superb strike

Daily Mail | January 28, 2017

Stewart Downing's magnificent second-half strike handed Middlesbrough a hard-fought 1-0 win over Accrington Stanley in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Aitor Karanka's side have struggled for goals all season and looked on course to draw another blank against their stubborn League Two opponents.

However, with 20 minutes remaining, Downing fired home to secure the hosts safe passage into the next round of the competition.

More to follow...

Stewart Downing scored the only goal as Middlesbrough beat Accrington Stanley on Saturday

The former England international struck 20 minutes from time to seal victory for the home side

Downing runs over to the fans after securing Boro's place in the fifth round of the FA Cup

The 32-year-old is swamped by his team-mates after finally breaking the deadlocku00a0 — The 32-year-old is swamped by his team-mates after finally breaking the deadlock

Patrick Bamford is sent flying by a challenge from Accrington defender Seamus Conneely

Former Liverpool winger Stewart Downing turns with the ball under pressure fromu00a0Conneely — Former Liverpool winger Stewart Downing turns with the ball under pressure from Conneely

Rudy Gestede struggles to control the ball whichu00a0Harvey Rodgers eventually heads clear — Rudy Gestede struggles to control the ball which Harvey Rodgers eventually heads clear

Middlesbrough defender George Friendu00a0lays on the floor as he receives medical treatment — Middlesbrough defender George Friend lays on the floor as he receives medical treatment

Middlesbrough forward Stewart Downing clears the ball whileu00a0Sean Clare attempts to block — Middlesbrough forward Stewart Downing clears the ball while Sean Clare attempts to block

Dael Fry attempts to clear the ball after a good save fromu00a0Dimitrios Konstantopoulos — Dael Fry attempts to clear the ball after a good save from Dimitrios Konstantopoulos

Adam Clayton plays the ball forward on what was a largely frustrating afternoon for Boro

Accrington Stanley midfielderu00a0Sean McConville reacts to a missed chance after the break — Accrington Stanley midfielder Sean McConville reacts to a missed chance after the break

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka will be please with the result, if not his side's performance