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THE ingredients for a cup upset were all present - but Middlesbrough's professionalism ensured there would be no giant-killing at Field Mill.

Faced with determined opponents from the lower reaches of League Two, Gareth Southgate's side rolled up their sleeves and laid their bodies on the line to book a place in round five.

Robert Huth and David Wheater were particularly impressive at the back, and the duo's relationship is a key reason why Jonathan Woodgate has been allowed to leave the Riverside.

Mansfield gave it everything they had - particularly after the break - but the Teessiders withstood everything that was thrown at them.

They weren't as impressive going forward - Afonso Alves cannot arrive soon enough despite Mido's return from injury - but Dong-Gook Lee's opener always looked decisive. Not, however, that it excused a dreadful headed miss from the South Korean shortly before the interval.

A late own goal put some gloss on the result, and Boro can now look forward to Monday's fifth-round draw with relish. The North-East's cup specialists roll on.

4:56pm Saturday 26th January 2008

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