Boro 2 Notts County 0
The bookies rated the Magpies at 11-1 to win, but there was never any real prospect of a cup shock.
County, though, had two major set backs in the first half. Firstly, they conceded and own goal and then had their skipper Tony Barras sent off for a professional foul.
They put up a gallant fight, but on the second half pressure and scoring chances, Middlesbrough should have had a more emphatic win.
Boro, are already through to the Carling Cup semi-final against Arsenal and face an exciting January programme.
Boro gave a first team debut to Australian Under-23 international goalkeeper Bradley Jones. He pulled out of an Olympic qualifying game to take over from the injured Schwazer, a fellow Australian.
The opening stages were rather uneventful with Middlesbrough failing to stamp their Premiership class against the well-supported County.
However, Middlesbrough went ahead after 23 minutes when Ian Richardson had the misfortune to put though his own goal. Joseph-Desire Job hit the ball into the area, the big defender stuck out a foot and diverted the ball into his own net giving goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall no chance.
Ten minutes later the game was virtually over for County when they were reduced to ten men when Barras fouled Michael Ricketts from behind as the former Bolton striker raced clean through on goal. Referee Halsey of Bolton, immediately flashed a red card.
Shortly after Ricketts was denied a goal from the impressive Mildenhall who flung himself to his left to save on the line.
However, Middlesbrough went ahead after 23 minutes when Ian Richardson had the misfortune to put though his own goal. Joseph-Desire Job hit the ball into the area, the big defender stuck out a foot and diverted the ball into his own net giving goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall no chance.
Ten minutes later the game was virtually over for County when they were reduced to ten men when Barras fouled Michael Ricketts from behind as the former Bolton striker raced clean through on goal. Referee Halsey of Bolton, immediately flashed a red card.
Shortly after Ricketts was denied a goal from the impressive Mildenhall who flung himself to his left to save on the line.
Mildenhall also denied Franck Queudrue just before the break when he palmed his shot over the bar.
County never gave up the ghost but they only had two shots on target, the first after 53 minutes from Mark Stallard.
Middlesbrough wrapped up the game after 63 minutes when Boudewijn Zenden, on loan from Chelsea, left Mildenhall helpless with a 20 yard left-foot volley.
Boro Team:
Jones, Mills, Ehiogu (Riggott 80), Southgate, Queudrue, Downing, Boateng, Zenden, Job (Maccarone 63), Ricketts (Morison 63), Nemeth
Not used: Turnbull (g), Parnaby
Boro Team:
Jones, Mills, Ehiogu (Riggott 80), Southgate, Queudrue, Downing, Boateng, Zenden, Job (Maccarone 63), Ricketts (Morison 63), Nemeth
Not used: Turnbull (g), Parnaby