Middlesbrough are beating Wigan Athletic 1-0 at the break in the Championship at the Riverside Stadium, courtesy of a goal from Patrick Bamford.
Boro dominated the ball in the early stages but struggled to break down a Wigan backline that was content to soak up pressure.
Aitor Karanka's side almost opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Patrick Bamford's effort fell to Albert Adomah out wide. The winger fired a dangerous ball across the face of goal, but there was no Boro man there to finish it off.
However, the hosts took the lead in the 20th minute with their first attempt on target. Bamford picked the ball up 20 yards from goal and, as three Wigan defenders closed him down, his shot was deflected beyond the reach of Ali Al-Habsi.
Adomah saw another fierce cross cleared by the Wigan defence, with the ball falling to Bamford, but the striker could not bring the ball under control in time as his effort was blocked.
Boro continued to apply pressure as the first half came to a close, with Adam Clayton's 25-yard drive going close, but Wigan frustrated their hosts with some disciplined defensive play.
Steven Toplis
