Middlesbrough played out a dull 0-0 draw against Newcastle United in the Tyne-Tees derby at home in the Riverside last week, but are still placed strongly on the Premier League table.

Record signing Afonso Alves had some excellent chances to score and give his side all three points, but his finishing left much to be desired and fans are now beginning to wonder if he was worth the record amount paid by manager Gareth Southgate.

On the other side, Magpies boss Joe Kinnear was handed a career boost as he was confirmed to manage the side at least till the end of the season.

The first half was a tepid one with neither Shay Given nor Ross Turnbull having to make any serious save although Danny Guthrie came close when he unleashed a close range shot that was blocked by Emanuel Pogatetz. Obafemi Martins was lurking nearby and he grabbed the loose ball to thump it home only to hit the cross bar with his left-footer.

After the break, Didier Digard came very close to giving the home side a lead, but he could not connect with an attempted volley and the chance went abegging. Alves had a chance on 55 minutes, but his well-directed shot went astray after taking a deflection.

Mark Viduka replaced Martins on 65 minutes and almost made an immediate impact when he volleyed Michael Owen's knock down, but his shot was again blocked by Pogatetz. Hoyte then came close at the other end and only a nice save by Given prevented Boro from taking the lead.