SATISFIED boss Tony Mowbray admitted last night that the FA Cup fourth round draw had been favourable to Middlesbrough after being handed a home tie with Aldershot.

While Sunderland will play the winners of tonight’s third round tie between Cheltenham and Everton if they can overcome Bolton in next week’s replay, Boro have been paired with the League Two strugglers.

It will be the first time that Boro have played the Shots, and will be played over the weekend of January 26.

Aldershot overcame Hendon on Saturday while Middlesbrough were making light work of non-league opposition, defeating Hastings 4-1 at the Riverside.

Mowbray, whose side were knocked out at the fourth round stage last season by Sunderland, is content with the draw but has warned against complacency.

He said: “I’m happy with a home tie. I don’t really mind who we play but it’s good we are at home. I’d prefer not to play a team from our own division as well, so we’ve got to be pleased on both counts.

“The draw has been kind to us so far in the FA Cup, Hastings at home and now Aldershot.

But we’ve still got a job to do. Aldershot will be looking forward to the game. I think they’re struggling a bit in League Two but we’ll treat them with respect, as we would any side we’re drawn against. The cup is all about getting through to the next round and we’ve just got to win the game.”

After Newcastle lost to Brighton on Saturday, Sunderland are the only other North-East team still in the competition but they must beat Bolton in the replay which is provisionally scheduled for a week tomorrow.

If successful – and Everton beat Cheltenham tonight – the Black Cats face a re-run of last season’s FA Cup quarter- final with the Toffees.