Neil Johnston, BBC Sport
The outpouring of relief at the full-time whistle among Aston Villa’s travelling fans was understandable in the circumstances.
They had seen their team lose their previous eight matches in the FA Cup, a run stretching all the way back to 2016.
Supporters have endured humiliating defeats at the hands of Peterborough United and Stevenage recently, so they were going to make the most of a 1-0 away win at Championship club Middlesbrough.
Although not the most eye-catching result in this impressive season, it is nevertheless another step in the right direction under Unai Emery.
The Villa boss was even able to give the likes of Ollie Watkins, Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby a bit of a rest before he sent on the cavalry with 20 minutes to go.
Matty Cash’s late winner meant Villa avoided a replay and they can look forward to an extended break of two weeks after the Premier League match at Everton on 14 January.
Emery will hope his players return refreshed and recharged, ready to continue their chase for trophies on three fronts in the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa Conference League.
