FABRlZlO RAVANELLI's four goals put Middlesbrough in seventh heaven last night as they overwhelmed Hereford in this one-sided League Cup tie. Boro's record £7 million buy boosted his season's tally 10 with four goals.

Ravanelli's latest scoring spree was supported by Brazilians Emerson and Branco, and Curtis Fleming as the Premiership club netted seven goals.

Hereford, to their credit never gave up, although the gulf in class was obvious once Ravanelli had opened the floodgates after 21 minutes.

Emerson scored the goal of the match in the 32nd minute with a superb 25 yard shot that left goalkeeper Andy De Bont helpless.

Five minutes later Ravanelli was on the mark again and with Middlesbrough 3-0 up at the interval, it was just a question of how many goals they would pile up.