Middlesbrough booked their place in the quarter-finals of the League Cup with a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at the Riverside Stadium on Wednesday night.



Both teams made eight changes and one of the home side’s, Lewis Wing, proved the difference on the stroke of half-time with a wonderful strike.

Tony Pulis was happy with Boro’s performance against his former club and he praised their team spirit and togetherness after the game.

“I thought we played really well first half,” he said.

“In the second half we had to show what we’ve got. There was plenty of spirit and resilience. 

“They’re a good group, everybody works very, very hard and they enjoy each other’s company. I was really pleased with the togetherness they showed.

“Palace are a Premier League club, so you know they are going to have opportunities, but we restricted them to very few shots.”



It didn’t take long for Boro to take control of the game. Pulis had obviously said some harsh words after their timid display against Derby on Saturday. Surging forward from left-back inside the first minute, George Friend had a go from distance. 

Just shy of the half-hour mark, after a spell which saw Palace grow into the game somewhat, the hosts were dealt a blow when Sam McQueen was stretchered off having landed awkwardly after a challenge with Jeffrey Schlupp. 

George Saville came on as applause rang around the stadium.



Jordan Hugill had the best chance of the half, but, despite running onto the ball with the goal gaping, he could only volley Friend’s cross over the bar. 

Moments before the break, he blazed a shot wide again, this time from distance after Saville played him in.



It looked like that would be the end of the action, but Wing, arguably Boro’s best player in the first 45 minutes, struck brilliantly from range in the third minute of stoppage time to open the scoring.



Roy Hodgson cut a frustrated figure for much of the game, but his side came out with a point to prove for the second half, looking much more assured in possession and getting the ball forward a lot quicker.



Chances were few and far between after the break, but Saville saw the best sight of goal with 20 minutes remaining. 

The Northern Ireland international couldn’t keep his shot down, before Max Meyer failed to get enough purchase on his effort after some good approach play from the visitors.



Palace huffed and puffed late into the game, with Meyer and Andros Townsend both going close, but Boro head through to face Burton Albion at home after a fairly comfortable evening.