David Wheater's second goal in three games gave Middlesbrough a 2-1 win at Bristol City.
The Championship side had been hopeful of claiming a Barclays Premier League scalp when Liam Fontaine prodded home to give them an early lead.
But City goalkeeper Adriano Basso's error gifted Stewart Downing an equaliser and defender Wheater finished off the best move of the match to make sure no replay was needed.
Boro also knocked Bristol City out of last year's competition.
