Boro’s double blast sees off Hammers

STEWART DOWNING turned in an inspired display as Middlesbrough shook off their relegation fears to book their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals for the fourth successive year.

The England international curled home a brilliant fifth-minute free-kick to get his side off to the perfect start, and was a thorn in West Ham’s side throughout as the Teessiders claimed just their third win in 18 attempts in all competitions.

Tuncay Sanli’s 20th-minute volley gave Gareth Southgate’s men breathing space, and both the Turkey striker and Jeremie Aliadiere, who also reminded the Riverside Stadium faithful of his ability with a fine individual display, had chances to kill off the Hammers long before the final whistle.

Downing might have doubled his tally with 16 minutes gone when he ran on to Matthew Upson’s criminally careless pass in-field, but he dragged his shot wide of the far post.

However, the second goal arrived just four minutes later when central defender James Tomkins, in his desperation to cut out Gary O’Neil’s long ball to Aliadiere, succeeded only in hooking it into the path of Tuncay.

The Turkey international, who had not scored since early December, still had plenty to do, but he controlled his volley superbly to beat Green.

West Ham responded briefly with midfielder Radoslav Kovac forcing a smart 23rd-minute save from Brad Jones but with Downing, Aliadiere and Tuncay giving the hosts the cutting edge lacking so often this season, it was they who continued to dominate.

They might have killed off the tie five minutes before the break when Downing cushioned O’Neil’s cross into Tuncay’s path, but the striker lashed his shot high over the bar.

In the second half Scott Parker passed up a glorious opportunity to give West Ham a foothold in the game when he shot inches wide on the hour.

But in truth, Boro ran out comfortable winners to book a trip to Everton in the last eight.

MIDDLESBROUGH: Jones, Hoyte, Wheater, Huth, Pogatetz, O’Neil, Bates, Arca (Walker 88), Downing, Sanli (Adam Johnson 81), Aliadiere (Emnes 67).

WEST HAM: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble (Collison 56), Kovac (Tristan 69), Cole, Sears (Di Michele 57).

Ref: Steve Bennett.