Report: Chris Nokes

Cardiff City's U-18's battled heroically at a cold Riverside Stadium, but were unable to break down a mean Middlesbrough U-18's defence as the home side won 1-0 to progress to the fourth round of the F.A Youth Cup.

Cardiff returned to the competition which had brought them such success last year as they were eventually knocked out by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. In the game, Middlesbrough showed their attacking edge right from the off as 'Boro winger Jonathan Franks struck a firm shot that ended up going inches wide of Cardiff 'keeper Josh Herring's post.

The Middlesbrough goal came from a corner that was met by a 'Boro man who got away an on target shot. Cardiff goalie Herring could not hold onto the ball and it was tapped in from close range by midfielder Joe Bennett.

The young Bluebirds, however, were making life difficult for the home side and a shot from Aaron Morris forced a save from England U-17 International Jason
Steele. The talented stopper has been on the bench for the past two Premiership matches for Middlesbrough. Number 2 only to former Bluebirds 'keeper Ross Turnbull who starred in the draw with Reading and win against Arsenal.

The first half was a case of the Cardiff players making the game uncomfortable for Middlesbrough as they couldn't get into the game as they wanted to. Only being a goal down, Cardiff were still very much in the game as the first half whistle blew.

Half Time: Middlesbrough 1-0 Cardiff

As was in the first half, 'Boro started brightly. Good build up play led to a wasted chance from striker Gary Martin. His header went wide when Middlesbrough could have put some distance behind the excellent Bluebirds who were snapping at their heels.

Indeed, Cardiff came straight back with the impressive Jon Brown shooting at goal from a fine cross. The ball had to be saved by 'Boro goalie Steele and the scores remained the same. Brown was making his first start up front for the team since a recent injury had put him out.

Back came Middlesbrough when Cardiff 'keeper Herring was called into action low down to prevent striker Franks from getting on the score sheet. Cardiff never gave up however and were fighting right to the death in search of that elusive equaliser. A long range strike from 16 year old Aaron Ramsey forced 'keeper Steele into making a save. The talented youngster was making a rare appearance for the U-18's this year as he is usually involved in first team affairs. The equaliser would not come however and Middlesbrough had sneaked through to the
Fourth Round of the F.A Youth Cup at the expense of a brave Cardiff.

Full Time: Middlesbrough 1-0 Cardiff

Cardiff Coach Geraint Twose:
"I am very proud of the boys' performance tonight. We did very well and I thought the U-16 lads we put in were also first class. We were disappointed to come out of the game with nothing, but I can never be disappointed with a performance like that"


Man of the Match: Jon Brown
There was a whole host of contenders for the award as the whole team were excellent. He was lively throughout and was a constant threat to the Middlesbrough defence. It was especially impressive considering it was his first appearance up front since his injury.