Paddy McNair 'airshots' from the inside the 18-yard box as Sunderland sniffed a chance.

Darren Randolph came and punched, made a total fluff of the chance. Boro survive.

Growing confidence from the Wearsiders, as Aiden McGeady fashions himself a chance with a bodyswerve and then flashes a shot over the bar. Closer and closer.

Sunderland are still probing and pressing. Some nice interplay between Adam Matthews and Didier Ndong leads to the former powering into the box and only a tackle from Jonny Howson stops him crossing...

Grant Leadbitter has hit arguably as bad a shot as anyone in the Championship a moment ago. Trying to channel a bit of Roberto Carlos from 40 yards, he was more like Branco in his Boro days there.

Still the one goal in it with 10 to the break.

Image source, Rex Features

Just in case you're just joining us, this fella - Marcus Tavernier - is currently the man of the moment.

He tucked in a Martin Braithwaite cross on six minutes to put Boro in front. The difference so far.

I just wonder if Sunderland's greater problems are adding to a bit of apathy from the supporters. It's nowhere near as fiery as their Newcastle meetings.

You'd have to feel ground-down by the goings on at the Stadium of Light wouldn't you?

Meanwhile, you've not missed owt. Martin Braithwaite flashing a free-kick well over to the far side.

Boro fans in voice.

Looks like Billy Jones is going to limp his way through for Sunderland after going off with a knee problem...

Oh, no he's not. They're bringing on Adam Matthews instead. Thought it looked a bit cruel making Jones play on.

Blow for Sunderland who have some injury problems.

Sunderland's creativity coming from Aiden McGeady and Didier Ndong, but Middlesbrough are happy to flood back into their defensive shape to shut them down.

Cap update: Darren Randolph has shunned the headwear provided. Mind you, It's not a snapback. Perhaps he's just style conscious?

Sunderland have been tidy and are keeping Middlesbrough honest in their defence, although the hosts have shut down the space well.

Boro utilising the excellent movement of Martin Braithwaite, he swung in a beauty of a cross a moment ago... headed behind. Corner.

Image source, Rex Features

What a first derby for Marcus Tavernier by the way! The 18-year-old's number 62 shirt tells you he perhaps wasn't being lined-up for feature quite so readily in 2017-18 but he belied that inexperience to finish coolly in a pressure situation.

Boro flying. Sunderland have coped well so far and still pressing.

Billy Jones lets the side down, moments after I mentioned it was a fairly-contested derby, by scything down an opponent and getting a yellow card.

Not quite the 'reducer' of old, but what passes for a booking these days.

Unsurprisingly in the close-knit world of the north east there are players who have worn both colours in either side.

Stewart Downing and Grant Leadbitter for Middlesbrough, Lee Cattermole for Sunderland.

Boro have sent on a cap to help Darren Randolph with his sun problem. Will save him squinting.

Real ebb and flow to this derby, it's not been bogged down in flying tackles and midfield grind. It's been open and lively.

Jonny Howson was picked out on the edge of the box for Boro a moment ago, and curled over the top. Good work from Martin Braitwaite though who made the run to create the space.

Superb save from Darren Randolph as a curling free-kick from Aiden McGeady is headed toward goal by Billy Jones.

Mind you, the ref has given a goal kick!

Sunderland battling back in response, with Paddy McNair rattling a shot into the shins of the Boro defence, and then former Teessiders schemer Lee Cattermole forcing another save from Darren Randolph.

Sun in the keeper's eyes seems to be causing problems. Sunderland's corner comes to nothing. Free-kick though might?

Image source, Rex Features

Image source, Rex Features

As well as this lunchtime's Championship action, there's also an afternoon of FA Cup first round ties to get your teeth into.

There were a number of shocks yesterday with a few EFL clubs going out to non-league opposition. Will there be any more from today's nine ties?

Follow all the action with live text, social media updates, BBC local radio commentary and see the best goals as they go in on Final Score right here.

Sunderland go close! Didier Ndong picks the ball up in midfield and drives forward.

He lets fly from 25 yards, Darren Randolph beats it clear and then saves from Lewis Grabban on the rebound! Brilliant reactions.

Best chance and we're only a few minutes in...

Middlesbrough in the red strip, Sunderland in a mining-themed grey.

Jeremy Simpson toots the whistle and we're under way!

Image source, Reuters

An absolute footballing feast for you today on BBC Sport.

As well as the Championship and the FA Cup, there's also four Premier League games this afternoon, starting with Tottenham v Palace at Wembley and rounding off with Everton v Watford and Chelsea v Manchester United at 16:30 GMT.

Follow all the afternoon's top flight action, including BBC Radio 5 live commentary, right here.

Middlesbrough are paying their respects for Armistice Day with a minute's silence at the Riverside Stadium.

The Last Post on a bugle, as is tradition. A touching moment.

Image source, Empics