Middlesbrough hold Southampton as woodwork twice denies opener | OneFootball

Middlesbrough and Southampton drew 0-0 in the Championship play-off semi-final first leg at the Riverside Stadium, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of Tuesday's return.

In the 35th minute, Tommy Conway struck the right post for Boro after a swift break.

Daniel Peretz kept Saints level before the interval, making sharp saves to deny Morgan Whittaker and Conway.

After Ross Stewart came on (60.), Saints threatened through Léo Scienza and then Taylor Harwood-Bellis, whose header thumped the bar (84.). Moments later, Samuel Edozie missed from the centre of the box (87.).

Peretz then saved Leo Castledine's close-range header in the first minute of second half stoppage time.

Boro controlled long spells, finishing with 63.6% possession, 21 attempts and 11 corners. Saints mustered six attempts without a shot on target.

Boro visit Saints in Tuesday's second leg.