A record youth attendance of 1154 people crammed into the Photronix Stadium to watch as the Rebels were beaten 3-0 by the reigning U18 Premier League champions.

A stunning opener from Lee Hetherington and a brace by Mitchell Curry ensured that it was the professionals who progressed to the fourth round.

But Worthing, having already made history by reaching the third round for the first time, gave an excellent account of themselves and were unlucky not to score.

The hosts were on the back foot after just two minutes when Hetherington turned and rifled a shot into the top corner from just inside the Worthing penalty area.

Even the most optimistic Rebels fan would have feared the worst, but Ian Hart’s side were a match for their opponents for much of the first half.

Mike Waller had a glorious chance to score in the 10th minute but prodded straight at Boro goalkeeper Tom Dawson from 12 yards following Ben Pope’s through ball.

But just after the half hour mark the visitors added a second when Alex Pattison raced clear on the left before pulling back for Curry to tap in from close range.

Having found space on the edge of the box Worthing forward James McKernan sliced wide in the 35th minute.

Middlesbrough could easily have extended their lead further before half-time but they found Rebels goalkeeper Rui Buckland in fine form.

First he fisted away a fierce effort by Hetherington before stopping Marcus Tavernier’s long range attempt and reacting quickly to keep out Arnel Jakupovic’s flick.

Worthing ended the half on a high note as Tom Watson headed just wide from Jack Punter’s cross and Matt Hards forced Dawson into a good save with a 25-yard free-kick.

The underdogs made a lively start to the second half and Dawson expertly claimed a Waller cross with Pope waiting to pounce after the winger had outpaced the Boro right-back.

Buckland made another top draw save to deny Curry after the hour mark but moments later he added his second with an unstoppable strike.

The Middlesbrough forward raced through on the left and cut inside before firing beyond the helpless Buckland into the roof of the net.

Worthing striker Pope felt he should have been awarded a penalty in the 87th minute but the Rebels were denied the chance of a consolation as the referee waved away the appeals.

The visitors came close to a fourth in the closing stages when Curry flashed a shot across goal and in stoppage time the lively forward scooped over from a tight angle.

Middlesbrough were ultimately comfortable winners but each and every one of the Worthing players did themselves proud on a night the club can only take positives from.

Worthing: Buckland, Punter (Bromage 80’), Webber, Cowan, H. Watson, Edwards, Waller, T. Watson (Symons 65’), Pope, Hards, McKernan (Stallibrass 73’).

Subs Not Used: Goldson, Johnson.

Bookings: Stallibrass 89’.

Middlesbrough: Dawson, Hegarty, Reading (Convery 76’), Tavernier, Cook, McGoldrick, Wilson (Holdsworth 78’), Pattison, Jakupovic (Lambert 62’), Hetherington, Curry.

Subs Not Used: Pears, O’Neill.

Goals: Hetherington 2’, Curry 31’ 64’.

Attendance: 1,154

Match report by Sam Skilton. Photo by official club photographer Studio IV.