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Fletcher’s misfortune condemns Middlesbrough to defeat at Cardiff

Ashley Fletcher’s early own goal was enough for Cardiff to secure a 1-0 home victory over Middlesbrough.

The Bluebirds broke a run of three successive Championship draws and moved to within three points of the play-off places thanks to the Boro striker’s moment of misfortune in the second minute.

The lacklustre defeat ended Middlesbrough’s resurgent four-game unbeaten run and continued Jonathan Woodgate’s difficult start to his managerial career.

Bogle looked as if he was going to celebrate his first start in 637 days with a goal when he beat Shotton to Junior Hoilett’s teasing cross, but his header crashed against the crossbar.

There was more danger for Woodgate’s men when Randolph palmed Aden Flint’s header back into the danger area for Paterson to head just over the bar and onto the roof of the net.

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