Matt Crooks should have made it 2-0.

He is sent clean through on goal as Cardiff's defence disappears but shoots wide.

What a let-off for the home side.

There is another disagreement as Uche Ikpeazu clashes with Mark McGuiness.

The Middlesbrough striker is booked.

Rob Phillips
BBC Wales Football Correspondent

It doesn't get easier for Cardiff, after Boro they've got three of the current top seven, Stoke, Queens Park Rangers and Huddersfield, then after the international break it's Preston and Hull.

Cardiff will have to dig deep now if they are to get something from this game.

Middlesbrough have been the better side and now have something to protect.

Middlesbrough have a penalty for handball by Mark McGuiness.

Andraz Sporar's shot hits the defender's arm - but it was down by his side, in a natural position.

That's a big call.

Now Aden Flint bundles Uche Ikpeazu over.

The temperature is rising a little here.

Joe Ledley
Former Wales midfielder on BBC Radio Wales

Neil Warnock will most definitely be the happier manager, they created a lot of chances and are looking the most positive.

The thing with Neil Warnock as well, they look solid at the back.

They go man for man, which is his typical style, making sure none of the strikers can get on the half-turn and they're forcing Cardiff back.

Rob Phillips
BBC Wales Football Correspondent

The result is everything today, although I do think a bit of style would help Mick McCarthy's cause... if it's not dead already.

Neil Warnock, by the way, is ranting at the fourth official after that incident.

But you are probably not surprised to hear that.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Marlon Pack is booked for a challenge on Andraz Sporar.

That means a one-match ban for the Cardiff midfielder.

Alex Smithies gets nowhere a deep Lee Peltier free-kick, but Cardiff get away with it as Marcus Tavernier's drive deflects to safety.

James Collins catches Lee Peltier with an arm in the face.

It's a free-kick but nothing more, which looks about right.

As Rob Phillips mentions, Cardiff are still to score a first-half goal in the Championship this season.

It is an extraordinary statistic given that this is their 14th league game.

Do they look like changing that record today? Not as yet, you'd have to say.

Michael Pearlman
BBC Sport Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium

The visitors are the better side by a distance at the midway point in the first half.

Cardiff have barely got out of their own half and their fans are very, very quiet.

Just no intensity from this Cardiff side.

They look like they are expecting something bad to happen.

Rob Phillips
BBC Wales Football Correspondent

Cardiff's last win at home was Millwall on August 21 and they still haven't scored in the first half and only Rubin Colwill has scored with his feet.

Marcus Tavernier is given far too much room down the Cardiff left and flashes a ball across the face of goal.

Fortunately for Cardiff, nobody in red could get on the end of it.

Joe Ledley
Former Wales midfielder on BBC Radio Wales

Cardiff need to get out now, they've had their backs against the wall for the last few minutes.

They need to try and get it up front to Collins, hold it up and get players running off him.

Cardiff are struggling to get out of their own half for the moment.

The home crowd are tense and that is probably not helping Mick McCarthy's players.

Neil Warnock must feel there is a chance to take advantage.

Image source, Getty Images

Marcus Tavernier's 20-yard shot deflects wide off Mark McGuiness.

Middlesbrough continue to press.