Match Review: Port Vale 0 Boro 3

Boro are through to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup after a clinical performance saw Port Vale dispatched.

Jonny Howson, Morgan Rogers, and Matt Crooks scored the goals as Michael Carrick’s men delivered and professional and polished performance to book a semi-final slot.

There was an early threat from the home side when Matt Clarke was penalised for a foul on the edge of the box, but Ethan Chislett’s free-kick drifted just over the top of Tom Glover’s bar.

When Boro came forward, Dan Barlaser threaded through for Emmanuel Latte Lath, but the offside flag was raised as one-time Boro goalkeeper Connor Ripley smothered his shot.

Boro were in front inside 12 minutes, though, when Howson worked himself the opportunity to shoot and his strike was deflected beyond Ripley in front of the home support.

The second goal came just 11 minutes later. Sammy Silvera was the architect with a driving run before Rogers profited from the pull-back with a finish which left Ripley with no chance.

While the 3,100 travelling fans celebrated and chanted about Wembley, the home side did have a great opportunity when Gavin Massey arrived at the far post, but his finish was high over the top.

Had it not been for the visiting fans, the game would have been played out to a backdrop of silence with the home support eerily quiet.

It could have been 3-0 before half-time when Crooks won possession and found space, but his chipped finish was over the top.

Izzy Jones came on for Latte Lath at the break and his first involvement was to win a free-kick which a Vale defender headed over his own bar.

It was game over seven minutes into the second half when Crooks again found space, and this time he made no mistake in apply the finishing touch.

There was more disappointment for the home side when Ollie Arblaster was stretchered from the field on the hour-mark with what looked like a serious injury.

But, as a game, the contest was well and truly done and the final 30 minutes were something of a non-event in terms of action, as Boro managed things to perfection.

There was an opportunity for Calum Kavanagh to make his debut, though, and he became the latest Academy graduate to be given the chance by Carrick to pull on a first team shirt.

With the result beyond doubt and with Saturday’s game in mind, it was Jones who made way for Kavanagh, having been on the pitch less than 30 minutes.

And Kavanagh had Boro's best chance to add to the scoreline with his first touch, but he was denied by an acrobatic save from Ripley.