Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray admitted his players were left deflated despite drawing 1-1 with Sunderland in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Middlesbrough players deflated despite Sunderland draw
Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray admitted his players were left deflated despite drawing 1-1 with Sunderland in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The Wear-Tees derby ended all square at the Stadium of Light and the Championship outfit will play host to their Premier League rivals in a replay on February 7 to decide who progresses to face Arsenal in the last 16.
Barry Robson's superb volley gave Boro the lead against the Black Cats, only for the otherwise outstanding midfielder to gift possession to the hosts prior to Fraizer Campbell's second-half leveller.
Mowbray was impressed with the performance of his players, particularly after not allowing their heads to drop when Martin O'Neill's side got back on level terms.
Mowbray said: "I think they showed great spirit despite the nature of Sunderland's equaliser - we handed it to them on a plate really.
"We could have lost a bit of heart after that, but we pushed on and if anything looked as if we could get a winner.
"I think the dressing room overall is disappointed."
In the bin
Mowbray revealed that Scotland international Robson was distraught after handing the Black Cats a lifeline.
Robson's error did not prevent him from picking up the man of the match award, but that proved little consolation.
Mowbray said: "He came in and he threw his champagne in the bin.
"He is a very emotional boy, Barry, and yet he epitomises the spirit required as we as a club move on.
"Particularly in the Championship, you have to fight your corner every minute of every game, and Barry Robson leads from the front in that aspect.
"He also has a left foot like we have seen. If you were there against Hull a month or so ago, he rifled one in the top corner from 35 yards with his left foot.
"Today, he scored a great first-time volley. He has the quality, as well as a heart the size of a lion, to help drive us on this season."
