Boro see off Latics

DANNY PHILLISKIRK: Scored a late goal for Athletic.

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ATHLETIC 1, MIDDLESBROUGH 3

CRISTHIAN Stuani scored twice as Athletic were outclassed by an impressive Middlesbrough outfit to exit the Capital One Cup at the first-round stage once again.

The Urguay international striker netted with a first-half header and a tap-in after the break, after Yanic Wildschut had netted the first for the ambitious Championship club.

Danny Philliskirk lodged a late consolation for Darren Kelly's side, who at least had plenty of attempts on goal.

Athletic, making four changes to the side that drew 1-1 at Walsall, almost scored with barely six seconds on the clock when Lee Croft narrowly cleared the crossbar from 45 yards out.

In a frantic opening, Diego Fabbrini's burst was brought to an end only by a trip from goalkeeper David Cornell – who then saved Adam Clayton's penalty kick in the seventh minute.

The opening goal was scored by Wildschut with a low finish as he burst in from the left flank to slide the ball home.

Athletic then almost levelled in a bout of pinball in the Boro box, Philliskirk twice going close and Jonathan Forte seeing an effort deflect a yard wide.

Stuani had one effort saved well at his feet by Cornell but added a second with a header from Fabbrini's left-wing cross.

Athletic fared better in the opening to the second half and Winchester and Philliskirk both warmed the palms of Tomas Mejais in the visitors' goal.

James Husband created the third with a brilliant cross from the left, leaving Stuani with a tap-in in the 61st minute.

Philliskirk forced a smart save from Mejais when he really should have scored soon after and Stuani would have had a hat-trick but for a Gavin Gunning block.

David Dunn came on as Athletic tried to get back into it and forced a pair of excellent stops from Mejais in the closing stages.

Philliskirk glanced in Croft's cross in stoppage time, but the result was never really in doubt.