FA Cup: Villa progress after narrow win

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 Middlesborough 0 - 1 Aston Villa

Aston Villa secured their first FA Cup victory since 2016, as Matty Cash delivered a late winning goal against Middlesbrough. 

Highlights below from The Emirates FA Cup - YouTube 

The Championship club Boro was on the verge of forcing a replay when Cash's shot from outside the box took an unexpected deflection, ultimately beating goalkeeper Tom Glover.

The Australian keeper had earlier displayed an impressive performance at the lively Riverside Stadium, frustrating the Premier League visitors with saves against young Colombia forward Jhon Duran (twice) and captain John McGinn. Villa's frustration grew as Ezri Konsa's header hit the post before Poland full-back Cash scored his fourth goal of the season in three different competitions.

Magic of the FA Cup: 2023/2024 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)

More Aston Villa news and stories

This victory marked a significant milestone for Villa, a seven-time FA Cup-winning team that had not tasted success in the competition since defeating League Two Wycombe in a third-round replay in 2016. After suffering eight consecutive defeats and upsetting losses to League One Peterborough in 2018 and League Two Stevenage in 2023, the win brought a sense of relief and joy.

Middlesbrough struggled to create opportunities, managing only one shot on target. Villa, sitting in the second position in the Premier League, felt aggrieved as they believed they should have been awarded a penalty when Isaiah Jones fouled Alex Moreno in the second half. However, with no video assistant referee (VAR) outside the Premier League, play continued.

With the prospect of a replay at Villa Park looming, Cash found the back of the net with an assist from substitute Douglas Luiz. The final whistle from referee Robert Jones sparked celebrations among Villa's travelling fans, who had been patiently waiting for their team to secure an FA Cup victory. 

Some of the best reaction

Mikey was pleased with some aspects of his side's performance despite the defeat. The Middlesborough fan told us: "Despite playing out of pressure and taking the ball and showing confidence even though we obviously had to defend for spells, I thought we were in it at times. We knew they were good at set plays, and that's what gave them the majority of their chances. "

Jamie, a nother Boro fan, added: "The fact we were so close to taking the 2nd best team (on current form) in the country to a replay says a lot about us. A bit more quality in the final third and we would have progressed or at least had a replay to look forward to. Onwards and upwards for the rest of the season. There's every chance there's a trip to Wembley in our future. "

Jamie, a Villa fan, added: "At last, a win in the FA Cup! This could end up being a fantastic season for us now. We have every chance of winning at least one trophy. It's just simply a brilliant time to be an Aston Villa fan."

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