Middlesbrough have failed to find a way past Charlton Athletic at the Riverside Stadium in the opening half of their tie.

Captain for the day Stewart Downing fired in two efforts before 20 minutes of the tie had elapsed but Charlton were able to get blocks on both goal-bound efforts.

David Nugent's low strike was kept out by Addicks keeper Stephen Henderson as Boro continued to attack.

Henderson's acrobatic 27th-minute save then denied on-loan Watford midfielder Diego Fabbrini, who was set up following build-up play from Downing and Nugent.

Fabbrini attempted another effort, after being supplied by Nugent, but this time he saw his strike go just over the Charlton crossbar.

Fernando Amorbieta then shot over the bar from 10 yards out just before the close of the half, as Aitor Karanka's men failed to make the most of their dominance in attack.