Image source, Empics

Might Marcus Braithwaite jump for joy, as will the pubs of Teesside tonight after Middlesbrough come out on top in the Tees-Wear derby against Sunderland.

That's three straight wins for Garry Monk's side, and a more flattering look to the league table for Boro.

Unfortunately for Sunderland, the international break prolongs their agonies. Two whole weeks at least to stare at the league table. Bottom.

They have other concerns, namely find a manager to get them out of this mess.

Anyway, that's as far as we go today. Thanks for joining us. Drown your sorrows, celebrate your joys. Have a great rest of the weekend.

Image source, Empics

I've got a few mates, not to mention my better half, who are Sunderland fans so I can sympathise why this bunch in the pic above are so glum.

Managers talk about performances but surely at this stage that isn't enough for Sunderland. You'd take a 1-0 win where you were dominated.

There was lots of be pleased with from a long-term perspective but this is a short-term issue. No respite there. They go into the international break at the foot of the Championship.

Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing spoke to Sky Sports about scorer Marcus Tavernier:

"It's unbelievable, he probably thinks the game is easy.

"He works hard for the team that's why he's in it at the moment.

"He did well for the goal."

Tees-Wear derby spoils go the way of Middlesbrough thanks to that sixth minute goal from Marcus Tavernier.

Boro rode their luck, with some excellent saves from goalkeeper Darren Randolph, and might have added more had Martin Braithwaite and Britt Assombalonga been on song.

Sunderland played well in phases in the pressure-cooker of a derby, but their winless run goes on and you get nowt in terms of points for playing well. They stay BOTTOM of the Championship.

Daniel Ayala heads away an Adam Matthews throw. Then repeats the feat...

Sunderland are in good positions but cannot find a route through the land of giants that seems to be the Middlesbrough defence.

Boro repel each attack, another wave comes... desperate times for Sunderland.

Any thoughts that Middlesbrough were going to cling on and waste time in this injury time period blown away by their slightly gung-ho approach. Giving the ball away.

I like it personally, nothing more annoying than cynical running down the clock.

Here comes the board. Four minutes. Some groans, some roars...

As it stands, Sunderland stay bottom of the table after Bolton's win yesterday.

Jonny Williams lost his footing a moment ago, Sunderland's attack breaks down. Time ticking away.

Middlesbrough pushing it into the corners. Game management.

Image source, Rex Features

Darren Randolph plucks another ball into the box out of the air and the pressure lifts again.

Sunderland are in make or break time. Do they possess the quality and composure?

Image source, PA

Sunderland fans will be heartened by aspects of this display but the final ball has cost them every time.

Some smart build up saw Adam Matthews find space on the right. His cross easily gathered by Darren Randolph.

Adam Forshaw coming on for Boro with Grant Leadbitter coming to the bench for a well-earned sit down.

Just over five to go.

Big miss from Aiden McGeady...

Jonny Williams slipped in Bryan Oviedo out wide and McGeady curled his cut-back wide first time.

Had time to think about that. Didn't.

Britt Assombalonga goes off, on comes ex-West Ham forward Ashley Fletcher for Middlesbrough.

Image source, Rex Features

Sunderland wanting too much time in key areas of the field, Middlesbrough swooping and clearing.

Then Darren Gibson wastefully plays a long ball into Boro possession.

Ashley Fletcher is about to come on for the home side.

Image source, Empics

Garry Monk has shrugged off his big jacket to prove his thermal credentials at the Riverside. Just a jumper. Impressive.

Meanwhile Sunderland have sent on Jonny Williams for Paddy McNair.

The 'Great save' option is getting some use today. Robbin Ruiter the latest, dropping low to beat away a curling Stewart Downing free-kick.

Sunderland living dangerously. One more will kill this off I reckon. Hardly rocket science I know...

Image source, Rex Features

Marc Wilson hauls down Martin Braithwaite right on the cusp of the penalty area!

Not quite last man, not quite a scoring opportunity for Middlesbrough.

Big chance for number two.

Marvin Johnson just rolled a lovely ball across the edge of the six yard box all the way through.

It was begging to be attacked. But Boro had no-one there.

Still that sixth minute goal in it. Plenty of time left.

George Honeyman has come on and buzzed about like a busy bee. Not had an end product though as yet.

Sunderland possibly preparing Jonny Williams to come on.

One thing you notice about Middlesbrough, for all their penchant to attack, is when Sunderland get anywhere in the final third, the penalty area is full of red shirts.

Makes it hard to break down.