Tim Krul was delighted to see Albion pass a set-piece examination and set up another cup tie to enjoy.

But the big Dutchman admitted the margins can be fine for a goalkeeper looking to secure a win and a clean sheet.

Albion survived several corners and long throws with just one real scare as they won 1-0 at Middlesbrough in the fourth round.

Their narrowest escape came after a corner of their own when Krul touched Adama Traore’s shot on to the post after a counter attack.

In the end, the win meant potentially more game time for cup-only players like Krul, Liam Rosenior, Jiri Skalak and Uwe Huenemeier.

Albion will host Coventry City in the fifth round.

Krul said: “It keeps our season going, another game to look forward to in the next few weeks.

“After the win in the last round it gives you that extra push to keep working hard and be ready when the chance comes.

“The gaffer made it clear before the game that the FA Cup is really important for the club.

“It gives us a bit of confidence to kick-start our season and it keeps the group together.

“There are a lot of players who are pushing for a start and it just gives another chance to showcase yourself.”

Krul has yet to play for Albion in the Premier League in what is a throwback to his early days in England under Chris Hughton at Newcastle.

He said: “At the start of my career, cup games were the only games I was getting. With the cup rounds, it wasn’t great.

“We went to places like Stevenage and Peterborough and never really seemed to get the wins we needed. We lost a couple at Brighton, of course.

“The Premier League was more of a priority. I’ve had to wait for my chance here. But that’s how my career started.

“I was with Chris in the Championship behind Harps (ex-Albion loanee Steve Harper) and I had to pick up cup games or the odd game Harps left for me.

“It’s a patience game. Maty Ryan is a good goalie but it is nice for me to showcase myself and be knocking on the door that I’m ready.”

That one set-piece lapse at Boro came from a corner on Albion’s left which probably should not have been awarded.

Markus Suttner seemed to play the ball off Traore but a flag kick was awarded.

From that, Daniel Ayala’s run and check back shook off Connor Goldson.

But the Spaniard seemed to lose his footing slightly and his header was tame, straight at Krul.

The keeper said: “It was a big test. Tony Pulis sides always set up well with big guys, a really physical side.

“Those long throws are never easy but I thought we dealt with them really well apart from one corner where we let a runner go.

“I was pleased with the way we defended.

“I think if you put the emphasis on set-pieces, everybody starts thinking about it.

“You just have to go out and not let your guy get ahead of you.

“That is easier said than done, obviously. We have been unlucky, as well.

“There have been some great goals against us – flick-ons, far post. We have got to fix that.”

Traore’s strike would not have been a bad way to find the net either had it sneaked inside the near post.

And that was where the narrow margins really came into play for Krul.

Confirming he touched the shot, he said: “The referee gave the throw to them so he saw it.

“When I’m out there I don’t think about anything.

“After the game, you think ‘If that ball had gone in at my near post….’

“That’s the margins. I touched it on to the post.

“If that goes in at your near post, everybody says that’s your fault.

“Now I’ve made the save, clean sheet, everything is great.

“I’m the worst critic of myself and it’s nice to walk away with a clean sheet and a couple of saves.”