Middlesbrough and Wolverhampton Wanderers played out a goalless opening 45 minutes of their meeting at the Riverside this afternoon.

The first chance of the encounter went the way of hosting Middlesbrough in the seventh minute. It was former Celtic striker Scott McDonald that had the shot from the edge of the area, but he sent his effort just over the bar.

Up the other end, Wolves captain Karl Henry saw his goalbound strike blocked by Grant Leadbitter with 20 minutes on the clock.

Both sides then went on to enjoy spells in possession, but neither were able to draw the two goalkeepers into any meaningful action.

A victory for the home team could potentially lift them up to third in the Championship.