Wednesday 23 August 2017 07:31, UK
New boys Lewis Baker and Ashley Fletcher scored their first Middlesbrough goals in a comfortable 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Scunthorpe.
Baker, on loan from Chelsea, and Fletcher, signed from West Ham for B#6.5million, have had few chances to impress since moving to the Riverside this summer.
But the pair were lively throughout as their goals, combined with former Manchester United full-back Fabio's maiden effort for the club, secured Middlesbrough's progress.
The game began in end-to-end fashion until the hosts' extra quality told in the 17th minute.
Adama Traore capped a lively start by jinking his way down the right wing and sending in a pinpoint chipped cross, with an unmarked Fabio belying his diminutive stature to nod home.
That set the tone for complete Boro control and it took just 13 minutes for a second goal to materialise.
Grant Leadbitter, another who has been out of favour this term, found Baker in the penalty area and the Chelsea loanee, afforded far too much space, wrapped his left instep around the ball to find the bottom corner.
Boro picked up where they left off after half-time as Fletcher opened his account in the 55th minute, tapping into an empty net following a superb one-two with Marcus Tavernier.
Scunthorpe carved out a rare opening of their own with 12 minutes remaining, Devonte Redmond rising highest to force a save from Dimi Konstantopoulos.
That was the sole threat offered as Middlesbrough booked their spot in a third-round draw that will controversially take place in Beijing during the early hours of Thursday morning.
