Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's Burton Albion side are leading his former club Middlesbrough 1-0 at the break in their League Cup clash.
Boro carved out the first meaningful chance of the match when Christian Stuani rose highest in the box to header a cross from the right at goal, but his effort was saved by Remi Matthews.
Burton took the lead when Matt Palmer lifted a free kick in from the left and Lucas Akins challenged for the ball with George Friend, leaving the defender to inadvertently guide the ball into his own net.
Adam Reach had a great opportunity to equalise for the visitors when he latched on to Adam Forshaw's corner, but he could only put his strike past the post.
Boro threatened again when Grant Leadbitter put a cross into the box, but Forshaw sent his header just wide of the target.
