Brentford 2-1 Middlesbrough: Bees knock out Boro to reach FA Cup fourth round

Brentford survived a second-half comeback by Middlesbrough to beat their Championship rivals and reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Halil Dervisoglu's low strike just before half-time from Saman Ghoddos' corner put the hosts ahead.

Boro levelled through Sam Folarin's low shot from close range after he latched on to Patrick Roberts' shot.

Ghoddos struck back to send the hosts through as he tapped in following good work from Alex Gilbert.

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There was a lengthy stoppage on the verge of half-time as Middlesbrough's Marcus Browne was stretchered off, having come off worse in a challenge with Mads Roerslev.

Prior to the game, Boro boss Neil Warnock said he was without "50%" of their usual first-team squad for the trip to London.

Brentford were without boss Thomas Frank - the Championship manager of the month - after he tested positive for Covid-19, with B-team coach Neil MacFarlane taking charge for the game.

Despite losing Browne, Boro responded brightly to Dervisoglu's debut goal for the Bees, as they forced a number of fine saves from Luke Daniels before half-time.

The hosts, knocked out of the Carabao Cup at the semi-final stage by Tottenham in midweek, re-established their lead after 64 minutes following Boro's intervention and held on to reach the fourth round.