Leicester City ........1

Middlesbrough...........1

(After extra time)

THE Coca-Cola Cup final at Wembley yesterday fizzed into life with a dramatic half hour of extra time. First Fabrizio Ravanelli put Middlesbrough ahead and it looked all set for Bryan Robson's team to lift their first major trophy in their 121 year history.

But with the corks loosening on the champagne bottles and just three minutes to go, 19-year-old Amile Heskey grabbed a scrambled equaliser for never-say-lose Leicester. It was no more than they deserved. Now the teams will have to do it all again at Hillsborough on April 16.

There is no doubt Middlesbrough left Wembley the more frustrated. ''I am desperately disappointed'' admitted manager Robson, ''as I really thought we had the game under control in the extra period.

''Ravanelli scored a great goal but could have had a hat trick. Leicester defended well, they made it very difficult for us as I am sure they will do next time. Yet, I still believe we can lift this trophy.''

His opposite number Martin O'Neill could not keep a smile at bay. ''The effort of my lads was fantastic. Middlesbrough have world class players, but we refused to be overawed. Sure, I am optimistic about the replay.''

As Middlesbrough full back Neil Cox sportingly conceded: ''Today's result was just about right. Mind you, I think we can play better than we did - we'll have to.''

For Middlesbrough will now be fighting on three fronts. They are still in the relegation zone of the English Premier and also in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

As Robson indicated, Ravanelli, reputed to be the highest paid player in England, could have assured the trophy in the sideboard. In the second half he hit the post with a header, then after two minutes of extra time the Italian was clean through with only Casey Keller to beat and shot weakly into the keeper's gloves.

The goal he did score was a Brazilian creation. For most of the match Leicester had policed the dangerous, baby-faced Juninho, as the Swedish internationalist Pontus Kaamark, had been closer to him than his shadow.

However, in one vital second the boy from Brazil broke free. Juninho went round one defender, and darted between two others. He could not finish the job, but the ball came bouncing back to Ravanelli. One lash of the left leg and it was buried. Indeed, as his marking relaxed, Juninho almost settled it when he streamed clear down the middle during the second period of extra time. Spencer Prior fouled him on the edge of the box and was booked for it; the free kick did not penetrate the wall.

Leicester's goal came when substitute Mark Robins crossed from the right. Skipper Steve Walsh knocked it to Heskey and his header crashed against the bar. There were five players all trying to collect the rebound, but the teenager stretched a leg for the vital touch.

''It is the most important goal I have ever scored,'' Heskey declared afterwards. His mates call him ''Bruno'' - he certainly knocked the stuffing out of Middlesbrough.

On a glorious spring day Wembley was at its most majestic. There were flags, fireworks, and ticker tape welcomes for the teams, a splendid hour of pre-match entertainment. The great pity was that the first half was a complete non event.

There was not a single save required from either goal keeper and just three corners. Leicester were intent on denying their opponents any space, the midfield was overcrowded, and it was not a pretty sight.

Kaamark was booked for a wild challenge on Juninho, though the referee was most reluctant to award any free kicks; everyone else was reluctant to shoot.

Middlesbrough's other Brazilian Emerson whose wife prefers Rio to the north east of England - smart lady - was the most influential midfielder, but even his promptings came to nothing.

For Leicester Garry Parker sprayed some pretty passes and Neil Lennon's work rate was impressive. The 80,000 supporters were mainly quiet, enjoying the sunshine, but not much else.

The second half was much better. Middlesbrough surged forward, forcing three corners before Nigel Pearson hit a fierce shot just wide. Ravanelli broke clear on the left, his cross appeared to have Juninho's name stamped on it, but Kaamark got back to save the day.

At the other end a Heskey header bounced on the top of the bar. Simon Grayson might have done better than shoot straight at Mark Schwarzer, one of Terry Venables' Australian regulars. Parker also made a chance for Mike Whitlow, but he too found the keeper with the header.

Juninho was booked next - for demanding a corner the referee was not prepared to award. There was still no goal on the board and we were out of regulation.

The trainers worked on cramped legs before the extra time began and again when the teams changed ends.

Ravanelli's goal was his ninth in this competition in which he is the top scorer. I doubt if that was of great conciliation on the long bus trip back to Middlesbrough.