BORO's U18s extended their unbeaten run in the New Year to three games when beating Sheffield United this afternoon.

Following draws against Derby County and Leeds United, Boro beat the Blades 1-0 at Rockliffe Park in a game as rugged as was to be expected.

Boro got off to a flying start with a well taken goal from Jonathan Franks with just four minutes played, but then found life more difficult against a team smarting from an FA Youth Cup thumping at Charlton a few days earlier.

Central defender Jordan Robinson continued his eye-catching progress over the last few weeks with another sound performance up against Nathaniel Foster who was a right handful, while there were excellent performances from Shaun Saiko in an unfamiliar central defensive role and Richards Smallwood.

But there were few chances for Boro's front runners to shine as a spirited United side worked hard to get back into the game, but under the captaincy of Smallwood Boro worked equally hard to maintain their advantage, though chances to increase it were at a premium.

Team: Steele; Furness, Corker, Burton, Saiko, Robinson, Franks (Harris 58), Hillerby, Martin, Smallwood (Capt.) (White 58), Porritt (Cronesberry 58). Unused sub: Atkinson (gk).