CHELSEA 2 - MIDDLESBROUGH 0.

(after extra time).

Chelsea repeated their FA Cup victory over Middlesbrough in the Coca-Cola Cup Final with a convincing performance at Wembley, writes Derek Osafo.

In fairness to Bryan Robson's side they were far more competitive than they were last May but essentially lacked a cutting edge to breach the Chelsea rearguard.

Middlesbrough made a positive start to both halves in normal time but failed to sustain that level of pressure as Chelsea enjoyed the majority of the offensive play.

Chelsea created several excellent chances and the game should have been over in regulation time but a combination of bad finishing and excellent saves from Mark Schwarzer denied the Blues.

The closest Chelsea came in the 90 minutes was when Gianfranco Zola's curling shot, after a fine move involving Roberto Di Matteo, hit the crossbar. Mark Hughes also forced Schwarzer into making two fine stops.

The entrance of Paul Gascoigne as a second-half substitute added a little craft to the Middlesbrough passing game. However, he was short of match fitness and could not provide the desired attacking impetus.

Chelsea continued to create chances and once Frank Sinclair scored in the first period of extra time there was never going to be any need for penalties. Sinclair powerfully headed in a fine cross from Zola.

A poor corner from Zola was not dealt with by the Middlesbrough defence and Di Matteo, unmarked, was left with the relatively simple task of side-footing in from close range.

Middlesbrough have now lost three Wembley finals in a year, but they look certain to make a return to the Premiership which is undoubtedly their main priority.

Gianluca Vialli who did not include himself even among the substitutes paid tribute to the work of his predecessor Ruud Gullit. Vialli commented: "The reason we are here today is because Ruud did a great job."

Chelsea, assured a place in the UEFA Cup next season, cannot rest on their laurels as they travel to Vicenza for the European Cup Winners Cup semi-final.

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