Half-Time Report: Grant Leadbitter penalty fires Middlesbrough ahead

Grant Leadbitter scored from the penalty spot moments before half time to give Middlesbrough a 1-0 lead over Brentford in their Championship clash this afternoon.

Patrick Bamford had a chance to open the scoring just moments after kickoff, but his first touch after gathering Jelle Vossen's through-ball was poor, allowing the home side to clear.

The hosts started to look more dangerous as Jota forced a fingertip save from Dimitrios Konstantopoulos, while Leadbitter was back on the line to stop James Tarkowski's effort from a corner.

Brentford continued to look the more likely of the two sides as Jota burst down the left before setting up Stuart Dallas for a low strike, but he could not beat the Boro keeper.

The visitors came close again shortly before the break when Vossen tried to set up Bamford for another shot, but David Button came off his line to make the clearance.

However, there was a late chance for Aitor Karanka's men as Bamford was brought down by Button just before the break, giving the visitors a penalty, and Leadbitter made it eight from eight from the spot this season to give Boro the lead.