A Justin Hoyte goal has given Middlesbrough a 1-0 lead going into half-time of their match against Sheffield Wednesday this evening.

The hosts took the lead after 13 minutes when Emanuel Ledesma threaded a clever ball through to Hoyte who proceeded to smash it with the outside of his boot past Chris Kirkland.

Wednesday's first real sight of goal came in the 25th minute as Michail Antonio's cross found Jay Bothroyd who took a touch before swivelling and volleying goalwards, but Jason Steele was equal to the effort.

Josh McEachran almost made it 2-0 just after the half-hour mark after wriggling through the Wednesday defence, only to see Kirkland save his effort with his feet.

Wednesday almost got an equaliser on the stroke of half-time when Antonio fired towards goal, but Steele was there to parry it away.

As things stand, Boro will go top of the table while Wednesday would remain 20th.