Source: Northern_Echo
Benjani goal dumps Boro out of FA Cup
BENJANI'S first-half winner ensured Middlesbrough crashed out of the FA Cup after a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.[LNB] City boss Roberto Mancini made a host of changes to his side, but the Champions League hopefuls were too good for a Boro side who have won just one home game under boss Gordon Strachan.[LNB] The hosts started reasonably enough, but their chances were reduced when Adam Johnson hobbled off with the recurrence a hamstring injury on the half-hour mark.[LNB] Things got worse on the stroke of half-time as City took the lead with one of their few first-half attacks.[LNB] Martin Petrov's through ball sent Benjani galloping clear, and the Zimbabwe international slotted a precise finish past Danny Coyne.[LNB] Substitute Carlos Tevez wasted two decent opportunities to extend City's lead after the break, and David Wheater wasted Boro's final chance of an equaliser when he headed straight at Shay Given in stoppage time.[LNB] MIDDLESBROUGH (4-5-1): Coyne; McMahon, Wheater, Riggott, Hoyte; Franks, O'Neil, R Williams, Arca (L Williams), Johnson (Emnes 32(Yeates 57)); Bent.[LNB] Subs (not used): Steele, Grounds, Bennett, Shawky.[LNB] MAN CITY (4-4-2): Given; Zabaleta, Richards (Barry 46), Boyata, Garrido; Weiss (Bellamy 73), Kompany, De Jong (Tevez 46), Sylvinho; Benjani, Petrov.[LNB] Subs (not used): Taylor, Trippier, Tutte, Vidal.[LNB]
