Middlesbrough boosted their hopes of promotion to the Premier League with a narrow victory over Cardiff City thanks to a winning goal inside the first two minutes of the game this evening.
Boro took the lead after 94 seconds when good work from Albert Adomah allowed Kike to beat David Marshall from close range.
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Aitor Karanka's men looked likely to score again when Adomah found Jelle Vossen, but the forward couldn't find the back of the net.
As the first half drew to a sedate close, Damia appeared to escape a possible red card for a poor tackle on Mats Daehli, with the referee deeming the challenge worthy of yellow.
Cardiff showed greater intent after the break as first Tom Adeyemi and then new signing Bruno Ecuele Manga had opportunities that they could capitalise on.
However, the Teesiders appeared to maintain a degree of control on proceedings, and they nearly made it two on 56 minutes when Grant Leadbitter found Adam Clayton and his well-struck shot needed Marshall to reach down low to keep it out.
City continued to try for an equaliser and Matt Connolly's cross almost provided it for Adeyemi, but his strike was gathered by Dimi Konstantopoulos.
In the end, Boro were able to keep out Cardiff and the final whistle was met with jeers as the home fans voiced their disgruntlement with Cardiff's second defeat in a week, which leaves the Bluebirds 17th in the Championship.
Chris O'Keefe
