Last updated on .From the section Championship

Both Leeds and Middlesbrough failed to score in a Championship match for the first time this season

Leeds and Middlesbrough, the top two sides in the Championship table, played out a forgettable goalless draw at Elland Road.

Both teams had taken 13 points from their first five matches but cancelled each other out in a mediocre contest devoid of any rhythm and broken up by a constant stream of niggly fouls.

Middlesbrough went close with Jonny Howson's curling first-half shot, which was kept out by Leeds goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, while Britt Assombalonga headed over from a corner.

At the other end, Luke Ayling's header was cleared off the line by Boro's Adam Clayton.

Leeds remain above Middlesbrough on goal difference, while both clubs kept up their unbeaten Championship starts in 2018-19.

Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds had scored at least twice in each of their opening five league games, catching the eye with their intense pressing and quick passing style.

However, Boro managed to limit them to few opportunities on their way to a fifth successive Championship clean sheet.

They had a moment of panic in second-half stoppage time when Leeds were given a free-kick in a dangerous position, but Barry Douglas shot straight at goalkeeper Darren Randolph.

The visitors' main threat came from set-pieces and crosses into the box, but Ryan Shotton and Daniel Ayala sent headers off target and Leeds otherwise rarely looked like conceding.

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa:

"It's a fair result, it was very hard to build a game.

"We can be partly satisfied because we dominated the game, but conceding chances means at the end of the day the result is fair.

"The physical challenge was special and I think the more games we play like this, we'll be more ready to find solutions."

Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis told BBC Tees:

"We knew it was going to be a tough game. We're two teams with momentum going their way.

"We've looked and studied the shapes Leeds use and their patterns. We worked very hard on making sure we filled certain spaces.

"The players have taken it on and there were only a few occasions where they had half a chance."