Cardiff City were defeated by Middlesbrough at CCS on Saturday afternoon.
Goals from Matt Clarke and Aidan Morris sealed all three points for the visitors.
The Bluebirds started on the front foot and forced the first chance of the game, as midfielder Alex Robertson headed the ball down for Yakou Méïté, who had a volley blocked by a Boro defender. Michael Carrick’s side then settled after the early encounters, with Finn Azaz driving towards the box, before having his effort comfortably saved by Ethan Horvath.
City were displaying some positive build-up and were playing with confidence, but the visitors remained a threat on the counter-attack. With Tommy Conway finding space in the area, Jesper Daland, who was making his first appearance at CCS, defended the danger brilliantly.
Attributed to an adapted playing style this season, the Bluebirds continued to have more possession and were threatening, while Boro were patiently waiting for an opening, which almost came through winger Isaiah Jones, who drove into the area, only for Calum Chambers to show his experience and clear.
At the half time interval, winger Ollie Tanner was introduced and instantly looked to run at the Boro defence, crossing low for Aaron Ramsey, whose close-range effort struck defender Luke Ayling and hit the post, before the defender cleared. City came forward again, with Chris Willock striking from the edge of the box, forcing Seny Dieng into another save.
Ramsey was again involved in another chance, cutting inside from the left and firing towards the top corner, with Dieng again on-hand to save. After City’s positive start to the second half, Boro came down the other end through Azaz, who was denied by a brilliant save by Horvath. From the resulting corner, Clarke headed home in the 56th minute.
City pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but with 83 minutes on the clock, the visitors’ lead was doubled, as Morris’ effort deflected into the net, sealing all three points for Middlesbrough.
FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 0-2 MIDDLESBROUGH
Cardiff City: Horvath, Ng, Chambers, Daland (Goutas 43’), O’Dowda, Siopis, Robertson (R Colwill 61’), Ramsey ©, Willock (El Ghazi 61’), Méïté (Tanner 46’), Kanga (Robinson 73’). Subs not used: Alnwick, Bagan, Rinomhota, Ashford.
Middlesbrough: Dieng, Clarke, Hackney, Burgzorg (Latte Lath 70’), Jones (Simpson 90+4'), Ayling ©, Dijksteel, Morris, Azaz (Hamilton 90'), Conway (Gilbert 70’), Borges. Subs not used: Brynn, Barlaser, Hunt, Lennon, McCabe.