Middlesbrough have had the better share of the attacking possession in their Championship showdown at Charlton Athletic, but are being held to a goalless draw at the break.
The visitors carved out the first meaningful attack of the afternoon in the ninth minute when Albert Adomah exchanged passes with Patrick Bamford before rifling a shot into the side-netting.
Boro were the better side going forward in the first period, and they threatened again through Adomah in the 20th minute as the Ghana international let fly from 25 yards, directing his effort straight at Charlton goalkeeper Stephen Henderson.
Charlton's best chance of the first half came following a free kick, which would have found the head of Andre Bikey in the area had George Friend not been on hand to produce a vital interception.
Bamford almost drew first blood for the visitors with a wickedly deflected strike 10 minutes before the break, but Boro were unable to turn their dominance into a lead before the referee brought the first half to a close.
Mark Langshaw
