Grant Leadbitter's unstoppable 36th-minute free kick has given Middlesbrough a 1-0 half-time lead over Huddersfield Town at the John Smith's Stadium.
Dimitrios Konstantopoulos had to be alert in the 11th minute to make a good save from Nakhi Wells, and the Greek stopper was out quickly seven minutes later to smother the striker.
The physical Championship clash saw a number of players go in with forceful tackles, and James Vaughan was shown a yellow card for his volatile reaction to what he perceived to be a foul on him.
Vaughan had to be replaced shortly after the incident with an injury, as players from both sides continued to fly into tackles in a feisty encounter.
The best chance of the opening half-hour fell the way of Terriers defender Joel Lynch, who thumped a header against the bar from Jacob Butterfield's corner.
Six minutes later, Leadbitter sent a powerful free kick hurtling into the back of the net to put Middlesbrough 1-0 ahead, and the goal seemed to give the visitors confidence.
Adam Clayton saw his shot crash into the side-netting before Kike tested Alex Smithies as Boro pushed for a second, but the home side held on to go in just one goal down after 45 minutes.
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