Boro into FA Cup quarter-finals with win against Hammers
Downing's free-kick put Boro on their way to the quater-finals
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Wednesday, 25, Feb 2009 10:55
Middlesbrough ended their poor run of form with a comfortable 2-0 win over West Ham United in their FA Cup fifth round replay at the Riverside.
Gareth Southgate's team had failed to score in five of their last seven outings and had been winless in their last five matches in all competitions before beating the Hammers.
It was a much-improved performance from the home side that will give them hope for their continued fight against Premier League relegation.
Stewart Downing and Tuncay Sanli scored the Boro goals in the first half as the hosts set up a quarter-final tie with Everton.
Downing got the home side off to a flying start after 15 minutes with an excellent free-kick that gave Robert green no chance.
The ball was placed 30 yards out on the right side of the penalty area and the England winger curled a left-footed strike into the corner of the goal.
Downing nearly made it 2-0 when Matthew Upson's pass across his penalty area was intercepted but the midfielder could not get his shot on target.
After 20 minutes Boro doubled their lead. Hammers defender James Tomkins failed to clear Gary O'Neil's long ball allowing Tuncay to pounce on it on the edge of the area before lashing home from 20 yards.
West Ham fought hard to get back into the match but could not quite find a telling final ball. Striker Radoslav Kovac was getting into some promising positions but the Hammers failed to capitalise.
Gianfranco Zola's side improved markedly in the second period as they were forced to push for goals.
However, that left more gaps in their defence and Jeremie Aliadiere saw a shot narrowly deflected wide early in the second half.
Freddie Sears sent a shot just wide for the Hammers, as the game started to go end-to-end, before Scott Parker's effort was scrambled away by Brad Jones.
It was then Boro's turn to regret some missed chances as Green saved well from Aliadiere and Matthew Bates saw a shot go over the bar.
But ultimately those misses were not costly as the Hammers failed to breach a strong Boro defence.