Middlesbrough and Southampton remain finely poised after a compelling Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final first leg ended goalless at the Riverside Stadium.

The home side were on the front foot from the outset and produced a dominant first-half display, pinning Southampton back for long periods.

Middlesbrough registered 17 attempts before the break without reply, with their best opportunity falling to Tommy Conway, whose effort struck the inside of the post and rolled agonisingly clear.

Despite Boro’s control, the contest remained level at the interval and Southampton grew into the game after the restart.

The visitors brought greater composure and threat in possession, testing the Middlesbrough back line and threatening on the counter.

Saints came closest to breaking the deadlock late on when captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis powered a header against the crossbar, ensuring the tie stayed scoreless heading into the return leg.

With nothing to separate the sides, the semi-final will be decided at St Mary’s on Tuesday night (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Middlesbrough and Southampton set for decisive second leg

Middlesbrough and Southampton set for decisive second leg