Kevin Kilbane
BBC Radio 5 live

"Brentford have been sloppy in possession and have given the ball away far too readily.

"It has all been Middlesbrough. It was an excellent goal from Lee Tomlin and Albert Adomah has been excellent wide on the right."

The players trudge off the field for the break and it's Middlesbrough who have had things all their own way so far. They've been disciplined and have a deserved lead on the night thanks to an excellent finish from Lee Tomlin.

This needs to be a very big team talk from Mark Warburton, or we know it will be his last as Brentford boss.

Two minutes of added time have been indicated at the end of the first half.

Middlesbrough aren't pressing anywhere near as high up the field as they were in the first 25 minutes. They are sitting back, keeping their shape and keeping an organised back line.

As a result, Brentford are seeing a lot more of the ball now. But they are the team in need of goals, not Boro.

Brentford with their best chance of the game so far. Alan Judge with the inviting cross to the far post, but Andre Gray could not quite connect with his header.

That was more like it though, from the visitors.

A soft first yellow card of this game and it's Dean Whitehead who goes into the referees book, for a late challenge.

From the resulting Brentford free-kick, Middlesbrough comfortably clear the danger.

To remind you of where things stand, Middlesbrough are heading to Wembley if the score stays like this.

Brentford must score at least twice if they are to save this tie.

Alan Judge shoots from outside the area but his effort goes well wide. Brentford need to change something and get back into this game, and quickly. Things are looking very good for Middlesbrough at the moment.

Grant Leadbitter is receiving treatment on the pitch. That's a concern for Aitor Karanka. His captain has been excellent for Boro all season.

He gets up after a touch of the 'magic spray' and looks like he'll continue, for the time being.

Matt Newsum
BBC Sport at the Riverside

Image source, Getty Images

"Pandemonium. Boro, already oozing confidence from the stands, have begun to show it on the field and their adventure was rewarded by a marvellous edge of the box finish by Lee Tomlin.

"The volume has gone up, the anticipation is immense. Brentford supporters on the far side have been quietened. They continue to push the ball around neatly but that Boro goal felt like a telling blow in this contest."

You can't say Boro don't deserve to be ahead. Their excellent pressing has completely stifled any Brentford attempts to put a good passing move together.

The Bees now need to score twice to at least send this tie to extra-time.

Image source, PA

Lee Tomlin gives Boro the lead with a delightful curling finish from outside the area. It's a lovely finish.

But how much time did he have? Albert Adomah cut inside and squared the ball to him, and he was in acres of space in the D and Brentford barely closed him down.

Boro are in a fantastic position in this tie now.

Albert Adomah overhits a cross straight into the arms of Brentford keeper David Button, but Middlesbrough are definitely on top here.

Despite not really testing the keeper yet, they are having a really positive spell.

Thomas Coxon: Middlesbrough would be half decent if someone only told them to kick the ball instead of the opposition player!

Rob Stileman: The progression made by Diagouraga has been extraordinary. Different player to the one sent off in the 2011 JPT Final!

Adam Clayton plays Lee Tomlin in with an excellent through ball, but Tomlin's attempted cross is blocked and bounces into the grateful arms of David Button.

At the other end, Jota has Brentford's first effort on goal, but his low show rolls straight at Dimi Konstantopoulos.

Andre Gray looks to be in on goal, and is brought down in the box, but the flag was raised for offside against the Brentford striker and it's definitely the right decision.

He looks like he's in the mood tonight, though.

Conor McNamara
BBC Radio 5 live

"From what we have seen so far Brentford are not going to get many chances. They are going to have to be clinical."

Middlesbrough are pressing really high up the pitch here. They're pegging Brentford back deep into their own half. That's a clear tactic from Aitor Karanka's side.

If they can keep that level of pressing up all game, I'll be very impressed.

Matt Newsum
BBC Sport at the Riverside

Image source, PA

"Not a lot of nerves to be felt here despite the significance of the occasion, perhaps because Boro fancy themselves on home turf. Brentford have been patient, and not even a slippery surface has dissuaded either side from a slick passing game.

"Early movement from both Aitor Karanka and Mark Warburton too. Perhaps they're the only ones feeling the pressure?"

Kevin Kilbane
BBC Radio 5 live

"There is an excellent tempo to the game and both sides are looking to attack."