Middelsbrough 2 West Ham 0:Stewart Downing turned in an inspired display as Middlesbrough shook off their relegation fears to book their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals for the fourth successive year.

The England international curled home a brilliant fifth-minute free-kick to get his side off to the perfect start, and was a thorn in West Ham’s side throughout as the Teessiders claimed just their third win in 18 attempts in all competitions.

Tuncay Sanli’s 20th-minute volley gave Gareth Southgate’s men breathing space, and both the Turkey striker and Jeremie Aliadiere, who also reminded the

Riverside Stadium faithful of his ability with a fine individual display, had chances to kill off the Hammers long before the final whistle.

Scott Parker passed up a glorious opportunity to give his side a foothold in the game when he shot inches wide on the hour, while substitute David Di Michele

made life difficult for the home defence as time ran down.

But having been denied victory at the first attempt by Herita Ilunga’s equaliser at Upton Park, Boro were not about to succumb a second time and ultimately ran out comfortable winners in front of a crowd of 15,602 to book a trip to Everton in the last eight.

Defeat on Teesside ended Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola’s hopes of lifting the trophy he won twice as a player at the first attempt as a manager, but he could have few complaints.