MIDDLESBROUGH'S rising stars completed an historical double for the club last night when they lifted the FA Youth Cup.

An instinctive finish from forward Jason Kennedy shortly after half-time confirmed an aggregate 4-0 win over Aston Villa at the Riverside to secure the trophy for the first time since its inception 51 years ago.

Last night's success emulates the senior team's memorable achievements in February when Steve McClaren's men brought major silverware to Teesside in the shape of the Carling Cup.

The fantastic win over the young Villans - witnessed by over 16,000 fans - was achieved in such a manner that the whole of the region should be proud.

Fifteen of the 16 players in the squad hail from the North-East and all the signs suggest the future at Boro is in good hands.

First team boss McClaren, in the stands with skipper Gareth Southgate, said: "It's a magnificent result and an outstanding performance."

The success proved the perfect tribute to Boro legend George Hardwick, who passed away yesterday morning.

Joint managers Mark Proctor and Dave Parnaby kept with the same side that put the Teessiders in the driving seat last Thursday.

The silky skills of James Morrison and Anthony Peacock were always great entertainment for the impressive crowd.

It was Morrison, the two goal hero from the first leg, who looked the most likely player to score for the home side in the opening half.

The 17-year-old was sent clear down the line by lively Gary Liddle but defender Gary Cahill helped clear Villa's lines. Then Austrian goalkeeper Robert Olejnik denied Morrison from distance as Boro looked to take command.

Villa, managed on the night by former Boro hero Tony McAndrew, very nearly made life interesting shortly before half-time but a mixture of good goalkeeping and wayward shooting kept the aggregate score the same.

Keeper David Knight expertly turned a powerful header from Magnus Troest away and Craig Gardner shot over. The misses proved costly as just four minutes after the restart Boro wrapped things up when Stockton-born Kennedy chipped in off the post.

Result: Middlesbrough 1 Aston Villa 0. (Boro win on 4 - 0 aggregate).

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