Championship: Sunderland host Boro in Wear-Tees derby

HT: Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

It's been an open game. There's been chances for both sides but Sunderland have had the better of those chances.

They should have scored from Zack Steffen's mistake. It's a good contest. In terms of football, I've been quite pleased. It's been a good footballing game.

There have been chances, it's been a contested game and I am looking forward to the second half.

HT: Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

Just seen the Ross Stewart chance on the cusp of half-time again. If he scuffs it, it might well have crept in. But it was such a clean shot that Zack Steffen watches it straight at him, true in flight, and just needs strong wrists.

Good save also from Anthony Patterson at the other end to beat away a low Marcus Forss effort.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

Zack Steffen's big stop just second before the whistle ensures Michael Carrick need not screw up his half-time team talk notes, and keeps Middlesbrough level away at Sunderland.

The Boro keeper had already almost handed Sunderland a goal on a plate earlier when he errantly passed straight to Amad Diallo on the edge of the box.

Yet, Diallo dragged his effort wide, to give the Teessiders a reprieve.

Sunderland's profligate finishing aside, there was much for Tony Mowbray to enjoy. They were dominant in midfield despite losing captain Corry Evans to injury, and looked sharp with Patrick Roberts, Diallo and Jack Clarke all prominent.

However, Boro did create opportunities. It's a cliche, but it's anyone's game even if the Wearsiders are shading it on points.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

HUGE SAVE BY ZACK STEFFEN!

One long-ball forward was allowed to bounce through by Middlesbrough as Dael Fry misjudged the flight, and Ross Stewart was in.

He allowed it to drop before half-volleying viciously, but Steffen was big and parried it away.

Superb stop. Sunderland should definitely be ahead.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

Both teams' slightly casual approach has almost cost them at times at the back.

Chuba Akpom brought down a poor Sunderland clearance and drove at goal but it was turned behind by Dan Ballard.

The corner was absorbed.

At the other end, Sunderland attack and Ross Stewart zooms in a sensational cross but he's not there to meet it and neither is anyone else.

Sorted out by Boro.

Four added minutes by the way.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

Big block by Trai Hume means Matt Crooks can't get a clean shot away and it goes out for the corner.

Marcus Forss attacks the subsequent set-piece which bobbles about til it's cleared. Sunderland players and fans let their angst known as they felt it came off Crooks, but concede another corner.

Aji Alese clears. Ryan Giles reloads for Boro but the cross is watched to the far-post by Anthony Patterson.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

Sunderland winger Jack Clarke has a willo-the-wisp look about him. Almost gangly and slight, he drifts across the turf.

Yet, sometimes you feel he needs to deliver earlier. His mesmeric footwork does catch defenders out, but Ross Stewart would quite like a cross to come in sometimes.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

Michael Carrick, looking every bit the male model bedecked in his fancy gear on the sideline, scribbles notes onto his pad.

He'll surely be mostly satisfied with his team. Though the concession of a corner from Patrick Roberts' right-wing raid might just add to his anxiety.

Trai Hume's header zips wide. Tony Mowbray is in constant dialogue with his coaching colleagues on the Sunderland bench.

Full sportswear clad by contrast, is Mogga.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

Ross Stewart screws a brilliant cross over the bar! Sunderland were in again with Patrick Roberts steering the ball into a perfect area.

The Scot got underneath it and seared it over the top from just a few yards.

His hands on head response tells the story of his frustration.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

Both teams are having a go. It's backwards and forwards and both sides are creating chances.

That's the one bit of quality Boro have shown in the final third. What a save from Patterson.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

Superb save from Anthony Patterson for Sunderland, as he gets down low to palm away Marcus Forss' angled drive.

Forss scored one from a similar angle against Millwall, but it lacked the true punch of that effort.

Still, a good shot, and well created by the driving, carrying run upfield by Matt Crooks. His presence is going to be key.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

How frustrating is it when a corner comes in and before anyone can even get their head on it, the referee blows the whistle.

Matt Crooks and Trai Hume tussle and tug and grapple and James Linington has seen enough.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

Riley McGree wanted time and space in midfield, but Middlesbrough are being harassed every time in midfield.

Jack Clarke wriggles clear for Sunderland and spreads the play to Patrick Roberts on the right.

He and Amad Diallo again combine to double up, but a corner is their only reward.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

Really good play down the right channel see Marcus Forss smuggle in a low daisycutting cross, but it rolls behind the Boro forwards in the box, and there was no one arriving late.

Shame for Boro, it was primed to be spanked goalwards.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

This game has had so much ball in play and very few stoppages, as we're only a minute behind the clock so to speak.

That said, it's not breakneck either. But Sunderland gripping a bit of control in midfield.

Great tackle from Dan Neil in that battlezone, snaring the ball from Chuba Akpom as the Teessiders seek to streak away.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

Sunderland almost stub the ball through to Ross Stewart, who is constantly hanging on the shoulder of the last man for anything over the top or into the channels.

Most of the good ball now is in red and white.

Patrick Roberts and Amad Diallo combine down the right, and Dan Neil joins in too around the box, but Middlesbrough keep them at bay.

Good coverage from an unpanicked Boro though.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

Sunderland have had a couple of chances from Boro's own doing.

But it's still game on and there's a long way to go.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

Ross Stewart hooks the ball into the roof of the net after a spill by Middlesbrough goalkeeper Zack Steffen, but he's offside.

It all came from a glorious move through midfield, a neat touch off to Patrick Roberts, who then finds Amad Diallo to cross.

The ball breaks to the edge where Roberts drills it low, but the lurking Stewart was off.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

Still pretty equal fare at the Stadium of Light.

Both teams have had good spells of possession and promising attacks.

Amad Diallo's miss still hangs over Sunderland though, gifted by Zack Steffen but untaken by the Manchester United loanee.

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough defender Tommy Smith uses his experience and physical presence to shepherd the ball away from Jack Clarke as he poured through to attack.

Smith hit the deck quite theatrically, winning the free-kick. Clarke gives away a bit of bulk so it seemed quite amusing really. Unless you're a Sunderland fan.