WANDERERS Under-18s were dumped out of the FA Youth Cup after a 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough last night.

Goals midway through each half secured progress to the fourth round for the hosts and a trip to Stevenage.

It was disappointing for the young Whites who put up a brave battle at the Riverside Stadium in front of several hundred fans.

The hosts began brightly and went close to scoring inside the first minute through Bilal Brahimi, but he was denied by Wanderers keeper James Aspinall when through one-on-one.

But Nicky Spooner's side withstood the early pressure and gradually started to apply pressure of their own.

Boro stopper Zach Hemming had to be on his toes to deny the lively Luca Navarro and Dennis Politic.

The deadlock was broken after 24 minutes when the Wanderers defence failed to deal with a long ball and Boro forward Stephen Walker twisted and turned before firing home, high into the net from a tight angle.

Politic again went close to an equaliser but it remained 1-0 to the hosts at the break.

Politic again posed a threat after half time but could not find a leveller.

Then, Tyrone O'Neill was within inches of doubling the advantage in the early stages of the second period, his lashed effort rattling first the bar then the post and somehow staying out.

The young striker made no mistake with his second opportunity after 71 minutes, beating the offside trap and calmly slotting home.

Wanderers were always in the contest, though, Hemming reacting smartly to stop captain Matty Fearnley and a close-range header from Politic.

As the game wore on and became increasingly stretched, Boro could have had more with Brahimi and substitute Stephen Wearne going close.

But it remained 2-0 and the young Whites suffered a first defeat in six games.

They now take a break before they return to U18 Professional Development League action on January 6 at Crewe Alexandra.