Moment of hesitation pays off for Tel

Hamilton Ricard fired a sensational winner for Middlesbrough in their FA Cup tie at Bradford last night just as concerned manager Terry Venables was about to call him off.

The Colombian's brilliant goal in the 67th minute stretched Venables' unbeaten run since taking over at Boro to six matches.

But Venables admitted: 'I was just about to substitute him before he scored. He had worked so hard and I thought it might be time to bring on Noel Whelan.

'But it was a great goal. I'm sure I'll be watching that one 17 or 18 times on video.'

Ricard was substituted six minutes later but his stunning goal was enough to earn Boro a fourth-round home tie against Wimbledon or Notts County.

Venables added: 'A cup run can really boost a team's confidence but it can also distract you. I'm more concerned about our match against Derby in the League on Saturday.'

Bradford boss Jim Jefferies has told Stan Collymore, Benito Carbone and Dan Petrescu that they do not figure in his plans for the Premiership relegation battle.