An uneventful first half in the Championship clash between Middlesbrough and Hull City at the Riverside Stadium has ended goalless.

In a tight opening period, the first chance fell to Hull's Aaron McLean but the forward failed to hit the target with his curling shot from the edge of the area.

Middlesbrough started to dominate possession as the first half progressed and could have been ahead when Marvin Emnes found space inside the box. However, his shot was weak and Ben Amos was barely stretched while making the save.

Amos was tested again before the break and his defenders were quick to congratulate him for pushing away a powerful Grant Leadbitter strike.