Half-Time Report: Matthew Connolly goal gives Cardiff City lead

A Matthew Connolly header has given Cardiff City a 1-0 lead at half-time of their top-of-the-table clash against Middlesbrough this afternoon.

The hosts took the lead after 19 minutes when Connolly was left unmarked at the back post to nod in a corner.

Boro tested David Marshall for the first time soon after, Grant Leadbitter unleashing an audacious attempt from long range that the Cardiff keeper had to deal with.

The visitors came within inches of getting an equaliser just after the half-hour mark when Emanuel Ledesma fired in a dipping free kick, only to see it bounce back off the bar.

Boro continued to push for a leveller and should have found it in stoppage time of the half as Scott McDonald had a good shooting chance, but he couldn't keep his effort down.