Middlesbrough's youngsters will contest their second FA Youth Cup final in as many years after beating Crewe 1-0 at the Riverside Stadium last night.

Leading 2-0 from the first leg at Gresty Road, Mark Proctor's side produced an accomplished display that augurs well for the two-legged final against Aston Villa later this month.

Striker Tom Craddock scored the only goal of the game in the first half as Boro's youth team stayed on course to secure the club's second trophy of the season.

Middlesbrough's reputation for grooming young players was enhanced last year when their youth team made it to Youth Cup final, only to go down to a Manchester United side containing players such as Kieran Richardson with extensive Premiership experience.

The skipper of that side, Andrew Davies, has gone on to feature in Boro's first team this year and there are already signs that the current crop of youngsters has the potential to emulate his achievements.

Centre-half Matthew Bates was on the bench as Middlesbrough beat Bolton 2-0 last weekend, while striker James Morrison was on target for England's Under-18 side last week.

Both impressed last night in a Boro performance notable for the way in which every outfield player was confident with his ball at his feet.

The home side were made to suffer an early scare when Crewe striker Nicky Maynard drove against the post with goalkeeper David Knight beaten, but any nerves were settled when they extended their aggregate lead in the 23rd minute.

The industrious Anthony Peacock cut in from the left flank and Craddock, a scorer in the first leg at Crewe last month, was on hand to roll home his cutback from eight yards.

Craddock went close to adding a second shortly before half-time when he headed Morrison's cross against the upright and, with Gary Liddle pulling the strings at the heart of midfield, Boro remained in control throughout the second half.

Middlesbrough (4-4-2): Knight, McMahon, Bates (Hines 77mins), Wheater, Masters, Liddle, Kennedy, Taylor, Peacock (Johnson 74mins), Morrison, Craddock (Reed 79mins).

Subs (Not Used): Pennock, Van Geele.

Result: Middlesbrough 1 Crewe Alexandra 0.