A brace from Lee Tomlin and a strike from Bradley Fewster have guided Middlesbrough into the third round of the Capital One Cup in a 3-1 victory over Preston North End.
The home side started on the front foot as Fewster drove into the final third of the pitch, but saw his shot deflected just wide of the post.
Boro continued to have the better of the chances as Adam Clayton weaved his way through two defenders and fired at goal, only to see his effort clip the outside of the post.
In the second half, Aitor Karanka's side took the lead in the 51st minute when Tomlin was fouled on the edge of the box. The midfielder struck the set piece himself and found the top corner of the net.
However, Preston responded immediately as Jordan Hugill fired in from close range after the home side had failed to clear the danger from a free kick into the box.
Middlesbrough regained the lead in the 57th minute following a great run from Albert Adomah and his low cross was converted by Fewster, who tapped in from two yards out.
The visitors were not be deterred, and they threatened again as Tom Clarke guided a header just over the bar from another dangerous free kick.
Middlesbrough sealed their place in the next round of the competition thanks to Tomlin with a run through the middle of the Preston defence, which was ended with a neat finish past Jamie Jones.
Simon Sinclair
