Boro finally through after spot of bother

TONY PULIS found Notts County almost as troublesome as Gareth Southgate did during his day as Middlesbrough boss.

Southgate’s reputation may be sky-high right now after his England exploits but, 12 years ago, he did not have it so good, losing his first-ever cup tie as Boro’s rookie manager at the hands of the Magpies.

In the first meeting between the sides since, Pulis came close to suffering the same fate, with County taking the lead three times.

In the end, Boro edged through on penalties, with keeper Andy Lonergen saving efforts from Jon Stead and Dan Jones.

Grant Leadbitter, Paddy McNair, Stephen Walker and Marcus Tavernier were on target for the hosts from the spot.

Notts County had looked on course to win in normal time when veteran Stead netted his second in the 63rd minute, following up Noor Husin’s 30-yard shot against the post, moments after Nathan Wood came on to become Boro’s youngest-ever player at 16 years and 75 days. But for the third time Boro roared back TWIN JOY: Fletcher scored twice with Ashley Fletcher completing his own double after 74 minutes with a right-foot curler, before Marvin Johnson almost snatched a late winner when he struck the woodwork.

Hero keeper Lonergan was one of four starting debutants in the Boro side with another three being blooded off the bench, as Pulis rang the changes and finally breathed a sigh of relief.