The bell tolls for Dong

ANYONE at home” is usually the stock response when a player is asked who they’d like in the next round, but that is unlikely to be the reply from Dong Gook Lee.

A close range first-half goal to put Middlesbrough en route to the last 16 provided a rare moment of respite in what has been a largely tortuous 12 months in this country for the South Korean.

At best, he will be back on the bench when Boro host Wigan Athletic tomorrow night in the latest attempt to open his Premier League account.

Middlesbrough’s run has taken in Ashton Gate and Field Mill, and Lee would prefer another road trip.

“Home games are more difficult for me,” he revealed. “Sometimes the crowd boo me and I find that hard to deal with. It’s become a burden.”

The imminent arrival of Afonso Alves, the Brazilian forward, means that Lee’s contract, up in the summer, is unlikely to be renewed. A return of just two cup goals has hardly repaid the faith shown by Gareth Southgate.

Twice in the space of 60 first-half seconds Mansfield almost drew level, Michael Boulding, their top scorer, forcing fine saves from Mark Schwarzer, the first with the aid of the cross bar.

Now it is back to the grim struggle for league survival for Billy Dearden’s side. “We’ve made a bit of money from the run and hopefully I’ll see a few bob of it to strengthen the squad,” he said.

MANSFIELD TOWN (4-4-2): Muggleton 6, Mullins 6, Buxton 7, Jelleyman 7, Martin 5, Hamshaw 6, Dawson 7, Bell 7 (McAliskey 73, 6), D’Laryea 7, Brown 3 (Arnold 73, 5), Boulding 8.

Subs Not Used: White, Holmes, Wood.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Schwarzer 7, Young 7, Huth 7, Wheater 7, Pogatetz 7 (Boateng 46, 6), Cattermole 7, Rochemback 8, Arca 6, Johnson 5 (Downing 65, 6), Lee 6 (Mido 72, 6), Aliadiere 5.

Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Riggott.

REFEREE: Steve Tanner (Somerset) 7: Played his part in a highly watchable cup tie. Refused to buckle when tempers threatened to flare after the break.

MATCH RATING: **** Had everything you’d want from a classic cup tie — barring the upset. Windswept conditions made for plenty of mud, blood and thunder.