Middlesbrough 0-1 Burton Albion: Brewers stun Boro to reach Carabao Cup semi-finals

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Jake Hesketh gave Middlesbrough a badly-needed lesson in finishing last night as Burton Albion stunned the Championship club and reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Middlesbrough lacked firepower again, while Hesketh - on loan from Southampton - produced a superb strike to seal Burton’s cup dream in the 48th minute.

And Boro’s fate was sealed when Aden Flint somehow managed to miss a glorious chance in front of goal in the closing stages.

Jake Hesketh (right) celebrates after giving Burton the lead against Middlesbrough 

The attacking midfielder (No 8) picked out the bottom corner from the edge of the box

Jake Buxton shows his delight after watching Hesketh break the deadlock after half-time

It had started promisingly, however, for Tony Pulis’s team. They have managed just 24 goals in 22 league games, but could have found the net on three occasions in the opening 12 minutes.

Jordan Hugill was the main threat during their early pressure, starting from the sixth minute when he was inches away from connecting with a Martin Braithwaite cross in front of goal.

Two minutes later, Stewart Downing was the provider when Hugill did connect, but his header dropped just over the bar.

And Boro’s encouraging start also produced a 12th minute chance for Lewis Wing after more good work by Downing.

Burton already knew that Middlesbrough were taking this tie seriously, although they had learned that when Pulis named a strong side, despite making six changes from Saturday’s league defeat at QPR.

Middlesbrough predictably went on to control the rest of the half against a side making their first-ever appearance at this stage of the competition.

Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis issues instructions to his side during the second half

But Burton, who had lost lost three of their last four games, defended stubbornly before Middlesbrough went close again in the closing stage of the first-half.

A shot from the lively Downing was pushed round the post by keeper Bradley Collins and Jake Buxton did well to halt Braithwaite’s surge into the area.

Yet, for all their pressure, Middlesbrough could have ended the half trailing after Burton produced a flowing move that should have brought a goal.

Scott Fraser was the architect with a break down the left that ended with a poor finish from Marcus Harness as he lifted his cross over the bar.

Jordan Hugill (centre) is sandwiched by two Burton defenders as he attempts to head the ball

It was a warning that Burton did possess an attacking threat - and it was confirmed just three minutes into the second-half as they took the lead against a side that had lost only two games at home this season.

Middlesbrough looked to have survived when Jake Allen’s shot hit the post and rebounded to the edge of a crowded area.

Mo Besic should have cleared, but the midfielder hesitated and Hesketh took advantage as he beat Darren Randolph with an excellent shot on the turn.

It was a goal that stunned Middlesbrough and they failed to rediscover their first-half authority as Burton threatened to extend their lead.

Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough celebrates with his players after the final whistle

Harness found space inside the area again in the 51st minute and, while his finish was better than at the end of the first-half, it was deflected wide.

The mood of Middlesbrough’s fans was not improved as their defence was again exposed when only a last-ditch tackle by Danny Batth halted another break into the area by Scott Fraser.

Pulis had seen enough and sent on substitutes Britt Assombalonga and Marcus Tavernier to try and negotiate a route back into the tie.

But, for all their late pressure, they struggled to create chances apart from Flint’s amazing miss from point-blank range.