A superb first-half display has ensured that Middlesbrough lead Blackpool 2-0 at the break on Teeside.

The hosts started the better of the two sides but failed to create any clear opportunities in the early stages despite dominating possession.

However, a flurry of corners produced the first goal for Middlesbrough with Ishamel Miller finding enough space to powerfully head the ball past Matt Gilks.

Miller went close to finding his second of the match minutes later after cutting in from the left wing but his shot rolled inches wide of the post.

Blackpool struggled to enjoy any prolonged spell of possession in the first period and were inches from falling further behind when Marvin Emnes struck a powerful effort just wide of the target.

Richard Smallwood managed to add a second for the host before the break, collecting an inch-perfect pass from Emnes before slotting the ball past Gilks.