Ipswich 0-2 Middlesbrough as it happened

1. Middlesbrough go top of Championship
2. Christian Stuani header gives Middlesbrough lead
3. David Nugent doubles Boro advantage
4. Ipswich suffer first defeat in seven games

Middlesbrough go top

For those Middlesbrough fans putting up their Christmas tree this weekend, you might want to put the Boro colours atop the decorations because that is where the Teeside club find themselves tonight.

Brighton have the the chance to return to the summit on Saturday if they can extend their unbeaten start to the season to 19 matches.

Ipswich Town, however, slip one spot after this loss, dropping below Sheffield Wednesday on goal difference to eighth in the table.

Keep across all the action on the BBC website this weekend, with match action and reaction from Championship, Premier League and the FA Cup second round right here.

We hope you enjoyed tonight's coverage. Until tomorrow, goodnight.

FT: Ipswich Town 0-2 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing on whether his side can get promoted this season:

"100%. We've got goals in the team, we defend very well and we've got the quality to hit teams on the break."

FT: Ipswich Town 0-2 Middlesbrough

David Nugent bags his 15th goal in his last 14 games against Ipswich Town, keeping his perfect record for scoring at Portman Road alive.

Maintaining that handy run against the Tractor Boys made it 2-0 after Christian Stuani opening the scoring after the break.

Middlesbrough goalkeeer Dimi Konstantopoulos also worthy of plenty of praise, making two crucial first-half saves when Ipswich Town looked most dangerous.

FT: Ipswich Town 0-2 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough striker David Nugent tells Sky Sports:

"Two goals, a clean sheet and we're top of the league so it's a job well done.

"Dimi made some great saves in the first half, two in the second half, back post headers, we do keep a lot of clean sheets in this league and it's up to the forwards to score the goals."

FULL-TIME

For the first time in 22 years, Middlesbrough are triumphant at Portman Road.

The hoodoo smashed and Boro go top.

Ipswich Town 0-2 Middlesbrough

Into the final minute of the action now.

INJURY TIME

Four minutes added here at Portman Road.

The points surely going to Midldlesbrough, who will end the night top of the Championship.

Close!

How that didn't go in is beyond me.

Albert Adomah runs onto a loose ball which comes off a Ipswich defender. But his shot from point-blank range is cleared by Luke Chambers.

Ipswich Town 0-2 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough's Stuart Downing calls Dean Gerken into a diving save and on the follow up David Nugent sees his effort go wide. Could have been three there.

And we have a substitution in there as well with David McGoldrick coming on for Brett Pitman.

SUBSTITUTION

Christian Stuani, who has possibly sent Middlesbrough on their way to the top of the table with the opening goal tonight, makes way for Adam Forshaw.

Ipswich Town 0-2 Middlesbrough

That opening for Jonas Knudsen, for what would have been his first goal in English football, looked to be Ipswich Town's way back into this match.

With seven minutes remaining, are the hosts running out of time to salvage something from this game to keep that six-game unbeaten run alive.

GREAT SAVE!

Dimi Konstantopoulos protects Middlesbrough's two-goal lead with fine reflex save.

Jonas Knudsen runs in unchecked at the far post, and while the defender sending his header downwards, it lacks power and the Boro keeper gets two hands to it to clear.

Is there more to come?

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Middlesbrough not backing off as they chase a third. And why would they? They, after all are the masters of the late goal this season.

Ipswich Town 0-2 Middlesbrough

That goal keeps David Nugent's remarkable goalscoring record at Portman Road going.

He has scored every time at the ground and that takes his tally to 15 goals from 14 appearances.

That may very well be what it takes to finally earn Boro their first win at Ipswich since 1993.

GOAL (Nugent)

Davind Nugent, teasing defender Tommy Smith as he takes a pass from Stewart Downing.

The Middlesbrough striker takes his time cutting in from the right, always looking up and fires low beyond Dean Gerken to squeeze the visitors' second home.

Ipswich Town 0-1 Middlesbrough

With less than 20 minutes remaining the story is that Christian Stuani's header is sending Middlesbrough top of the Championship as they lead Ipswich Town 1-0.

Ipswich Town 0-1 Middlesbrough

Stewart Downing skids a shot that takes a deflection and out for a corner for Middlesbrough.

See what the visitors did there? Just reminding Ipswich Town that even a yard a space could be punishable.

And soon after it is George Friend who gets the Ipswich defence to backtrack to keep Christian Stuani from striking again from close range.

SUBSTITUTION

Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who has been among Ipswich Town's busiest players tonight, makes way for Giles Coke.

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Ipswich Town 0-1 Middlesbrough

Albert Adomah's composure has to count for a lot for Middlesbrough out on the left.

The Ghana international, cool as you like looks up to find David Nugent, who flicks the ball into Stewart Downing's path. The shot is straight at Dean Gerken, but that had danger written all over it.

YELLOW CARD

Christophe Berra is cautioned for Ipswich Town, he brings David Nugent down as the Middlesbrough striker tries to race away down the touchline.

Ipswich Town 0-1 Middlesbrough

Ainsley Maitland-Niles finds Brett Pitman with a fine cross from the right, but under pressure the Ipswich Town forward balloons his header over the bar.   

GOAL (Stuani)

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Middlesbrough are going top of the Championship as it stands!

Christian Stuani nods home, forcing the ball past Dean Gerken at his near post after beating Jonas Knudsen to a pinpoint Albert Adomah cross from the left.

YELLOW CARD

Grant Leadbitter goes in cautioned but referee Tim Robinson lets play run on before booking the midfielder.

Ipswich Town with the corner. Swung in, no danger. Goalless we stay.

GREAT SAVE!

And all of a sudden the chances are coming quickly.

Dean Gerken gets a hand to a rasping Grant Leadbitter shot. The Boro man did well with that snap effort, but that has to go down as a let off for the hosts.

Ipswich Town 0-0 Middlesbrough

And just as I tap those words out, Brett Pitman for all the world looked like he had the chance to put Ipswich Town ahead.

He moves clear as the ball is swung deep to the back post, but his header had no pace and is easily clutched.

Somthing's Gotta Give

This fixture has never finished goalless at Portman Road.

The movie Something's Gotta Give starred Jack Nicholson, but who is going to star here tonight to break the deadlock?

I'm very much stretching there to make my point...

KICK-OFF

And here we go!

HT: Ipswich Town 0-0 Middlesbrough

Playing to the tune of Taylor Swift

It is that feel-good time of year. Christmas trees are being decorated, mince pies are accepted as a food group all of their own and the non-league football side that you follow every bitter winter is within 90 minutes of being drawn against a Premier League opponent.

Yep, it is the second round of the FA Cup.

Right now non-league Salford City are holding Hartlepool 1-1 in the first tie of the round.

There are plenty of characters and stories behind this weekend's action. Have you heard the story about the singing and writing football manager or the one about the club with fans who like to set their song to the tune of Taylor Swift beats?

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One game, one change

So far it has been an eventful round of Championship action, we have had one match and one managerial departure as a result.

Reading sacked boss Steve Clarke following Thursday's 1-0 loss to Queens Park Rangers, who earlier today appointed Jimmy Floyd Hasselbainkas manager at Loftus Road.

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Well, there is plenty more to come with nine Championship fixtures tomorrow and Sheffield Wednesday hosting Derby County on Sunday.  

HT: Ipswich Town 0-0 Middlesbrough

Plenty of festive cheer going on in the stands, but not too much to get excited about on the pitch so far.

What gifts will the second half have in store for us?

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As it stands

By all rights this one should be a blockbuster between two sides pushing for Premier League promotion.

But as it stands, an uneventful goalless draw will be enough to at least see Ipswich Town move into the play-off spots.

For Middlesbrough, it takes them a point closer to top and leaves Brighton & Hove Albion a point clear at the summit.

Still, we have 45 minutes to come and plenty, I'm sure will happen.

HALF-TIME

That minute of added time at the end of the first-half went off uneventfully.

Ipswich Town will feel that they should be ahead, with Luke Chambers having the best effort of the half saved from point blank.

Ipswich Town 0-0 Middlesbrough

Grant Leadbitter seems lucky not to be the next into the book for Middlesbrough as he lunges to foul Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Ipswich Town with the free-kick and possession now turning into a corner from the right. Surprise, surprise as it is cleared with a punch. No harm done.

YELLOW CARD

With a turn and attempt to get away, Ipswich Town's Brett Pitman draws the foul from Ben Gibson. And the Middlesbrough man is first to go into the book at Portman Road.

Dangerous free-kick coming here from distance and right in front.

And up, up and away the effort goes from Pitman. High, wide and whatever else you do to miss by a mile.

Ipswich Town 0-0 Middlesbrough

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It is two decades and counting since Middlesbrough last won at Portman Road. As it stands, that is not about to change.

Ipswich have looked the more industrious, but Boro not exactly being outplayed in what has been a half of few chances.

Ipswich Town 0-0 Middlesbrough

Ainsley Maitland-Niles earns a free-kick in a promising position. He swings the ball in, but it's dealt with easy as you like.

The tempo of this match has lifted a notch, but apart from a few chances early on from the hosts little going on in front of goal.

Ipswich Town 0-0 Middlesbrough

It is not all one way traffic right now and Grant Leadbitter is making sure of that for Middlesbrough.

Not everything has come to fruition from the midfielder, as he has the Ipswich defence in a moment of panic but it is Emilio Nsue who gets in front of home goalkeeper Dean Gerken to concede the free-kick.

GREAT SAVE!

Luke Chambers. Point blank and forced Dimitrios Konstantopoulos into a fine reaction save.

Should have been 1-0 there for Ipswich Town as Middlesbrough's defence were well and truly caught out as Chambers got in at the far post to try and poke home.

GREAT SAVE!

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Middlesbrough goalkeeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos palms away a powerful Brett Pitman effort.

The keeper needed to be firm there - that was fizzing from Jersey-born frontman Pitman.

Ipswich Town 0-0 Middlesbrough

Ainsley Maitland-Niles finding plenty of the ball in this first 20 minutes, albeit coming from some scrappy play in midfield.

Few real chances being created, as both organised defences are stamping every sniff of an opening out with relative ease.

Ipswich Town 0-0 Middlesbrough

Daryl Murphy is a man that knows how to score goals for Ipswich Town. But we are also seeing a real dogged work ethic early on here.

The Tractor Boys look menacing going forward from all angles so far.

Ipswich Town 0-0 Middlesbrough

Ipswich Town earn a free-kick near halfway. They try get a hurry on with playing the ball, but are pulled back for stealing a few too many yards.

A long ball is floated toward the box, but Middlesbrough containing the hosts as they poke and prod for a weakness in Boro's defence.

It is more direct at the other end, with Christian Stuani doing well to direct a volley on target.

Ipswich Town 0-0 Middlesbrough

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The 32-year-old has also scored six goals in his last three games.

Ipswich Town 0-0 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough look comfortable with the ball at their feet. Following some neat lead-up work David Nugent tries to catch the Ipswich goalkeeper by surprise by letting fly from distance. 

Dean Gerken clutches it with ease. As your were everyone.

Ipswich Town 0-0 Middlesbrough

Ipswich Town roving forward with a fair bit of intent and have their second corner. Which comes to nothing.

However, the hosts maintain possession and Brett Pitman gets a shot on goal. Easily caught by Dimi Konstantopoulos.

Ipswich Town 0-0 Middlesbrough

Ainsley Maitland-Niles shakes that knock off and helps carve out the first look at goal, but Middlesbrough's defence clears.

At the other end Stewart Downing fires an effort from distance and Boro have a corner. However, nothing comes of it.

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Ipswich Town 0-0 Middlesbrough

Just a settling in period in these early minutes.David Nugent looks to be the lone man up front for Middlesbrough.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is down after a clash of heads with George Friend. Some early running repairs needed.

KICK-OFF

And Middlesbrough get us underway at Portman Road.

Get Involved via #bbcfootball

Are Middlesbrough one a one way track to the top of the championship tonight? Can Daryl Murphy maintain his hot streak in front of goal and fire Ipswich Town to victory against Boro?

Don't be shy, share your views with the friendly team at the BBC.

Get in touch via #bbcfootball on Twitter to tell us what you think.  

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Out they come

The teams are lined up in their usual pre-game pleasantries, hand shakes all round.

Visitors Middlesbrough are in their eye-catching alternative yellow shirts, while Ipswich Town are in their traditional blue.

Premier League ambitions?

I think it's fair to say Middlesbrough fans have warmed to Aitor Karanka since he took charge at the Riverside in November 2013.

He led Boro to last year's Championship play-off final, which resulted in a 2-0 defeat by Norwich.

However, the club are back in the mix once again this season and one of the favourites for promotion to the top flight.

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From Bristol City with love

Coming at you with the most random fact of the night... that I can think of anyway.

Middlesbrough's Albert Adomah and Ipswich Town's trio of Dean Gerken, Cole Skuse and Brett Pitman all joined their current clubs from Bristol City.

That is four players in the 22 involved tonight's activities at Portman Road. 

I told you, random fact.

Team news

Aitor Karanka reverts back to much the same side that beat Huddersfield in the Championship last week after Tuesday's League Cup exit to Everton.

The two changes to the league side sees Christian Stuani and Grant Leadbitter start against Ipswich tonight, with Diego Fabbrini and Bruno Zuculini making way.

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Substitutes: Mejias, Amorebieta, Kike, Kalas, Fabbrini, Forshaw, Zuculini 

Team news

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy has named an unchanged line-up from the 3-0 victory at Charlton in their last Championship game.

Daryl Murphy will be supported by Freddie Sears and Brett Pitman in attack.

David McGoldrick returns to the bench in place of Tommy Oar, who's out injured. 

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Substitutes: Bialkowski, Malarczyk, Parr, Tabb, Coke, McDonnell, McGoldrick.

Lighting it up on Friday night

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'Tis the season to light it up! Well, that certainly is the case when it comes to switching the Christmas decorations on, but with a busy period of festive football ahead it can also be the time of year where a club can fan the flames of title hopes and promotion aspirations... or simply see them go up in smoke.

Tonight at Portman Road we have hosts, Ipswich Town, looking to move back into the play-off spots against high-flying Middlesbrough, who can go top of the Championship with victory.

No jolly fat man is needed tonight to put smiles on either set of supporters' faces if they do come up trumps.