Everton are on the verge of reaching the League Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2007-08 as they lead 2-0 against Middlesbrough after 45 minutes at the Riverside Stadium.

Neither goalkeeper was tested in a frantic opening to the game during which quality in the final third was lacking.

Boro were the first side to truly test the other as Stewart Downing's free kick was clawed away by Joel Robles.

From the resulting corner, the home fans were on their feet as Christian Stuani bundled the ball home, but the referee blew for a foul on Robles.

Everton took the lead two minutes later as Gerard Deulofeu skipped past two weak challenges before guiding the ball into the bottom corner from 20 yards out.

The winger then laid on Everton's second goal nine minutes later after crossing for Romelu Lukaku, who muscled himself in front of Fernando Amorebieta to head past Tomas Meijas.

Boro ended the half strongly but couldn't grab a goal back as Robles saved Stuani's shot from a tight angle before Kike sent a lob narrowly wide.