Middlesbrough’s Josh Coburn dumps Spurs out of FA Cup in extra time

As the evening wore on Antonio Conte resembled an increasingly disappointed teacher, apparently saddened by his class’s failure to absorb the basic lessons he had so painstakingly drilled into them.

The Tottenham manager did not look entirely surprised when his worst fears were realised and, deep in extra time, 19-year-old Josh Coburn stepped off Middlesbrough’s bench and scored a fine, richly deserved winner for Chris Wilder’s impressive side.

Admittedly Spurs – and Harry Kane in particular – were far from their best, considerable credit must go to a meticulously organised Middlesbrough and, in particular, Jonny Howson, who shone in a defensive midfield role. Although Kane had a second half goal disallowed for offside, Championship Boro – who beat Manchester United on penalties at Old Trafford in the fourth round – finished the stronger side, suggesting they would not be out of their depth in the Premier League.

Wilder jokes that Conte likes to copy his tactical blueprint, and, true to form, two managers who enjoy a decent rapport configured their teams in three at the back, wing-back propelled, formations.

Wilder, though, had taken the precaution of deploying Howson in a deep lying midfield role and Howson initially enjoyed a degree of success in helping his defence thwart Kane and company.

Conte’s craving for silverware dictated Kane was never going to be rested on a night when Tottenham’s manager made no alterations to the team which had started the 4-0 win at Leeds last Saturday.

Wilder’s overriding priority is promotion but he regards the twin pursuit of a play-off place and the FA Cup as far from incompatible and duly started a strong side in front of more than 30,000 at the Riverside.

Boro fans had their hearts