A goal in the 118th minute took last year's beaten finalists Middlesbrough into the last four but it was a very close call and Rovers probably deserved better.

Adam Dickinson had a 20th-minute goal ruled out for a push on David Wheater.

It seemed odds-on for a penalty shoot-out but-Middlesbrough surged forward two minutes from the end for Jason Kennedy to fire home the only goal.

TRANMERE ROVERS YOUTH: Palethorpe, Vaughan, Tremarco (Lovell 71), Martin, Pinch, Scott, James, Fowler, Dagnall, Dickinson, Jones. Subs: Quadrio, Longrigg, Davies, Henry.

MIDDLESBROUGH YOUTH: Knight, McMahon, Masters, Bates, Wheater, Kennedy, Liddle, Taylor, Craddock (Hines 106), Morrison, Peakcock. Subs: Johnson, Pennock, Cater-mole, Grounds.

REFEREE: Mr S Door.

ATT: 670.