Whether it lifts the big prize or not, it'll be one that Jamie Mackie will happily rewind over and over again at home I'm sure.

It looked a fairly innocuous situation for Boro's defence when the free-kick came in and bounced about on the edge of the box...

...BUT Mackie latched, swivelled and welted the ball in off the bar. Scorching hit. No chance Dimi.

Brilliant finish, out of nothing. It's made sure we've retained a bit of tension.

Image source, Rex Features

Grant Leadbitter (left) and his midfield partner in crime Adam Clayton are a key combo for Middlesbrough.

They're a defensive shield and most importantly the base for all attacks.

However they're forced to sit deeper when Rangers get Tjaronn Chery and Seb Polter on the ball and turning.

Another area to watch in the second 45.

Image source, Rex Features

So we are level at the break. 

Smart finish from Jordan Rhodes for the opener to give Boro the lead, but QPR responded with Jamie Mackie's cracker-jack to level.

Nicely poised game, still plenty to come.

Image source, Rex Features

One last assault for Boro is cleared downfield.

Great hold-up from QPR's Chery finds Polter but the move breaks down.

Can't be far from the whistle now...

Stewart Downing curls over from the edge of the box. Grant Leadbitter might have had a dig himself but couldn't get the ball out of his feet.

Rangers goal-kick. Boro starting to flex their muscle a bit in attack but QPR still getting plenty of chances to play.

Image source, Rex Features

Good work by Albert Adomah to get Boro away down the right, play switches to the left but Gaston Ramirez is shutdown and QPR get a goal-kick.

Three to the break plus stoppage. Rangers down the left now...

Raking ball to the left finds George Friend but Jamie Mackie smashes the ball against him to clear.

Goal-kick says tonight's referee Simon Hooper.

Both full-backs on both sides have been involved so far.

James Perch for Rangers and Nsue for Boro have been outlets, balls going wide frequently.

1-1 probably fair as we edge toward the end of the first-half.

Image source, Rex Features

Wasteful ball forward from Karl Henry, Seb Polter had done well to hold it up initially for QPR.

Neither side have grabbed this one by the scruff of the neck so far. Mind you a few lively tackles.

No problem for Dimi Konstantopoulos from the corner. Straight, easy claim. Boro have possession.

Both teams getting the ball wide, it's making for a decent, exciting contest so far.

Boro offer an immediate threat on the back of conceding, breaking down the right but the cross from Stewart Downing is snuffed out, with Jordan Rhodes swamped by Blue and White hoops.

Corner now at the other end...

Former Middlesbrough midfielder wants more from Boro.

OOOOH that looked a free-kick. Sebastian Polter dumped on his back on the edge of the box but no free-kick.

QPR were in a good position there. Tjarron Chery looks like he might be a key figure if Rangers are to get involved in this one. Some good touches.

Penny for JFH's thoughts?

His side have had spells of possession but been unable to find a real goal threat, bar Ale Faurlin's early shot.

Boro are moving the ball neatly, and can afford to be patient with a crucial goal up.

Image source, Rex Features

Adam Clayton again slides in to shut down QPR. Tjarron Chery in a great position.

Rangers now have a free-kick... just in from the left touchline by half way but Boro hook it clear...

Alex Smithies has to be alert to fly out and shut down another Middlesbrough long-ball over the top.

The visitors clear their lines to get Nsue away down the right. That's where Boro are targeting the home side.

Matty Phillips looks a threat for QPR...

QPR free-kick just inside the Boro half is headed clear. Rangers have plenty of time left, but Boro are really strong defensively and this could be a test to fight back...