0-1 v Middlesbrough FC - 9 March 2004 - Away

Middlesbrough's Szilard Nemeth's second-half goal was enough to beat Spurs and give the Carling Cup winners their first home win for two months. Massimo Maccarone had earlier seen his penalty saved and Joseph-Desire Job missed a sitter minutes later as Boro piled forward after a poor first half.

Spurs, who had scored four goals in each of their last three games, created few chances.

Darren Anderton's volley was the closest the visitors came to scoring.

After a drab opening period notable only for the defensive frailty of both teams, the game slowly came to life.

First Kasey Keller had to recover quickly to tip over Bolo Zenden's swerving free-kick in the 23rd minute.

Then Anderton's right foot connected sweetly onto Johnnie Jackson's outswinging corner but his volley was palmed over by Mark Schwarzer.

Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren shuffled his pack at half-time, bringing on Maccarone to boost his forward line.

He was almost immediately rewarded when the Italian combined with Gaizka Mendieta to put in Juninho who forced a good save out of Keller.

Dean Richards, who looked uneasy in the Spurs defence, made what seemed a fair challenge on Job but the referee decided otherwise and pointed to the spot.

But Maccarone's penalty was not well struck and was saved by Keller.

Then the Spurs defender fluffed the clearance to an awkward-bouncing cross only for Job to commit an even worse howler by putting the ball wide with just the goalkeeper to beat.

Middlesbrough refused to be dispirited and continued to press forward, finally breaking through when Slovakian substitute Nemeth scored in the 73rd minute.

Maccarone dummied Queudrue's pass and Nemeth held off Richards before rounding Keller and shooting into the empty net.

Nine minutes from time Robbie Keane sent a shot screaming past the Middlesbrough post and then went down under Ugo Ehiogu's clumsy challenge in the dying minutes but the referee waved play on.