Middlesbrough and Queens Park Rangers have struggled to create opportunities in a goalless first half at the Riverside Stadium.

QPR started the better of the two sides and created an opening when Leroy Fer linked up with Matt Phillips, whose tame effort was easily saved by Dimi Konstantopoulos.

The Boro attack came to life as the first half progressed and they were inches away from the opening goal when David Nugent struck Albert Adomah's cross against the post.

Clear chances proved to be difficult to come by, and Sandro's tame long-range effort straight at Konstantopoulos would be the closest the visitors came to a breakthrough.

Both teams found it tough to break the pattern as much of the battle took place in midfield in an opening 45 minutes dominated by defenders.