Steaua edge past Middlesbrough in semi-final first leg

BUCHAREST, Apr 20 (Reuters) Steaua Bucharest edged out Middlesbrough 1-0 their UEFA Cup semi-final first leg clash today.

Midfielder Nicolae Dica grabbed the winner on 30 minutes, turning smartly on the edge of the area and blasting home past Mark Schwarzer.

But the Middlesbrough keeper kept his side in contention with two fine saves early in the second half, one a fierce volley from Dorin Goian and the other a close-range Dica effort.

The visitors, missing injured striker Mark Viduka and captain Gareth Southgate, created few chances, but will be happy to have kept the scoreline down ahead of the second leg at the Riverside stadium next Thursday.

REUTERS PG PM 0214