Socceroo Sammy Silvera’s second-half strike has helped Middlesbrough through to the quarter-finals of England’s League Cup.

The former Central Coast Mariners winger struck in the 59th minute of Boro’s thrilling 3-2 win at third-tier Exeter City on Tuesday (Wednesday (AEDT), cutting in from the left flank and leaving a defender on his backside before curling a right-footed shot into the far corner.

His goal put the Championship outfit 2-1 up, but dogged Exeter levelled through Ryan Trevitt – his second long-range rocket of the game – seven minutes later before Boro grabbed a dramatic late winner from the penalty spot.

“It’s kind of what you come to expect with games like this, there was a lot to play for and a lot at stake,” Middlesbrough coach Michael Carrick said.

“There were some terrific goals as well. We probably could have had more but it was a good tie for the neutral.”

Exeter were aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history against Middlesbrough, who won this competition in 2004.

Boro join League One Port Vale in the last eight, with EPL sides including Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle all due to fight for the right to join them in the quarter-finals on Thursday (AEDT).