The Cleveland Browns have taken a 10-3 lead into the halfway stage of their NFL clash with the San Francisco 49ers at the FirstEnergy Stadium this evening.
Johnny Manziel was back in the side for today's match and he guided his team to within kicking range on the opening drive of the contest, only for Travis Coons to see his 42-yard effort blocked.
The Browns, who last week became the first side to be mathematically ruled out of the playoffs this season, were not to be denied a first-quarter lead, however, and Isaiah Crowell went over from a yard out to break the deadlock.
Another chance to get on the board went begging in the closing stages of the opening quarter when Glenn Winston's fumble gifted the 49ers possession, but Jim Tomsula's side could not take advantage and it was Cleveland who were next to score.
Manziel, impressing on his return to the team, guided the Browns into kicking range once again, and this time Coons's effort was successful to extend the lead to 10.
That was cut back down to seven again when the 49ers finally registered through a 44-yard Phil Dawson kick, and that was how it stayed until half time despite a late Manziel interception.
Barney Corkhill
