Sunderland move off the foot of the table with a worthy win over a Boro side lacking in ideas.

A late change by the visitors, with Liam Lawrence replacing Dean Whitehead.

Boro's frustration as complete as George Boateng glances a header wide from 8 yards.

Sunderland are closing in on their first win of the season and will be worthy of the three points on today's performance.

Anthony Le Tallec enters the fray for Sunderland in place of the hard-working Stephen Elliott.

Boro appear to have run out of ideas going forward and lack belief in the final third.

A break in play as Dean Whitehead requires treatment after a clash with Emanuel Pogatetz.

Middlesbrough keep up the pressure, winning a free-kick from 35 yards, only for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to blast it into the wall.

Good defending by Gary Breen as he anticipates Massimo Maccarone's pull back and denies Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink a clear strike on goal.

A frustrating afternoon for Fabio Rochemback continues with the Brazilian firing wildly wide from distance.

The Black Cats remain dangerous on the break and are finding plenty of space in behind Boro.

Middlesbrough are shell-shocked but continue to press, however Sunderland remain firm at the back.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink enters the fray for Boro in place of Yakubu Ayegbeni.

In a double change, James Morrison is replaced by Ray Parlour.

Franck Queudrue attempts to replicate Julio Arca with a free-kick but clears the bar.

Julio Arca's free-kick doubles Sunderland's lead and rewards their gritty display.

Gareth Southgate concedes a free-kick on the edge of the area and is cautioned for a foul on Andy Gray.

Massimo Maccarone goes into the book for tangling with Justin Hoyte.

Justin Hoyte is also cautioned for his part in the fracas.

Boro break with both men off receiving treatment, but Mark Viduka's strike is just off target.

A break in play as Christian Bassila and Nyron Nosworthy clash heads.

Signs of frustration are evident in Middlesbrough as the Black Cats sit deep and wait to counter-attack.

Boro have come out with all guns blazing in the second period, with Sunderland content to sit back and soak up the pressure.

The action resumes at The Riverside Stadium with both teams unchanged.

Sunderland lead at the interval but are indebted to keeper Kelvin Davis for keeping them infront.

Sunderland are keeping things simple and retaining possession as we approach half-time.

James Morrison breaks through the Sunderland back-line again, but this time the flag saves the visitors.

Good play by Dean Whitehead on the right flank earns a corner for Sunderland which is easily cut out and cleared.

Steve McClaren is forced to make a change with Massimo Maccarone replacing the injured Ugo Ehiogu.

A break in play as Ugo Ehiogu requires treatment for what appears to be a groin problem.

Sunderland are again thankful for Kelvin Davis as he denied Yakubu Ayegbeni from close range.

A fine save by Kelvin Davis denies Boro an equaliser with James Morrison thwarted when clean through.

The first caution of the afternoon is given to Franck Queudrue for obstruction.

Credit to Mick McCarthy's men for their work-rate, Sunderland atre competing for every ball.

More home pressure as Franck Queudrue's stinging volley is deflected wide, and the resultant corner headed over.

Free-kick to Sunderland in a dangerous area which ultimately falls to Stephen Caldwell whose ambitious angled volley is wildly off target.

The level of urgency has begun to slow mainly due to the number of stoppages.

It's been a super-charged opening to proceedings on Teesside, with the early goal opening up what promised to be a tight affair.

The Black Cats are denied a gilt-edged opportunity when Christian Bassila's pass is too heavy for Stephen Elliott to have a clear run on goal.

Desperate defending by Sunderland as a corner finds its way to James Morrison on the edge of the area, but his shot is well off target.

Sustained pressure by Boro, but James Morrison's over-hit cross gives Sunderland a let-off.

Middlesbrough are piling on the pressure in search of an equaliser, but the visitors look dangerous on the break.

The Black Cats break and find Stephen Elliott free in the area, only for the Irishman to shoot wide.

Good defending by Sunderland as Abel Xavier's dangerous cross is headed over by Steven Caldwell.

Tommy Miller slots home from 12 yards after combining with Stephen Elliott from Kelvin Davis' long punt forward.

The first attempt of the afternoon is an ambitious volley by Mark Viduka which is easily gathered by Kelvin Davis.

The action is underway on Teesside, with Boro kicking off.