Kenny own goal helps Boro progress in FA Cup
Boro will face Cardiff in the quarter-finals
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Wednesday, 27, Feb 2008 11:00
An own goal by goalkeeper Paddy Kenny in extra-time has helped Middlesbrough beat Sheffield United to progress into the quarter-final of the FA Cup.
The game looked to be heading for penalties before a series of calamitous events handed victory to Gareth Southgate's side.
Mido's shot deflected off defender Chris Morgan, looped over Kenny and hit the post. The rebound then hit Kenny as he scrambled back to recover the ball only for it to escape his grasp and trickle into the net.
Both sides struggled to impress during the first match at Bramall Lane two weeks ago and the replay at the Riverside also provided few inspirational moments.
Despite Boro enjoying the better of the first 45 minutes United defended well and limited the home side's scoring chances.
£12 million Brazilian striker Alfonso Alves made his first start for Boro since his arrival in the January transfer window and looked lively early on, forcing two saves from Kenny.
Stewart Downing also had a chance to put Boro ahead during the first half but could only send his shot wide of goal after Fabio Rochemback had created space for the midfielder with a deft flick.
The second half was a dour affair as United continued to thwart most of Boro's attacks with relative ease although they found it hard to create chances for their own strikers.
Their best chance fell to James Beattie just before the end of normal time but Mark Schwarzer did enough to put the former England international off and forced him to shoot wide.
Neither side showed much urgency during extra-time before Mido's shot eventually led to Boro's goal.
Middlesbrough will now face Cardiff in the quarter-finals on March 9th at the Riverside.