FULL-TIME REPORT: Middlesbrough 1 Blackburn Rovers 1

But they could and should have recorded their first league victory since December 11 given they controlled long periods of the contest and given the gilt-edged chances they wasted in either half.

Rovers opening the scoring in the 72nd minute through a brilliant goal from impressive debutant Jordi Gomez.

But their hopes of becoming only the third team to leave the Riverside Stadium with maximum points this season were dashed seven minutes later by David Nugent.

Moments earlier Boro had brought on Jordan Rhodes for his debut against the club he had said goodbye to just five days earlier.

But there was to be no fairy tale ending for Rhodes. Instead Hope Akpan should have spoiled the party.

But in the end Rovers had to settle for a share of the spoils and a result which leaves them six points clear of the relegation places.

And, while they have now gone eight matches without a league win, they can take heart from how they performed against a Middlesbrough side who now sit level at the top of the Championship with next weekend’s visitors to Ewood Park, Hull City.

The only thing lacking from new-look Rovers’ first-half display was a goal.

And, against a miserly Boro team who came into the game having conceded just three times at home in the league this season, they needed to take the one clear opportunity that came their way.

But before then Darragh Lenihan had the first shot in anger as he collected a pass from Gomez and let fly from 30 yards, Dimi Konstantopoulos getting down low to save.

Rovers had the ball in the back of the net in the 17th minute when league debutant Elliott Ward turned in a peach of a free kick from Gomez.

The centre-back’s celebrations, however, were cut short by a linesman flagging for offside.

But Rovers should have made their superiority count three minutes later.

The fit-again Akpan let a hooked pass from Gomez run through to Tony Watt, who had the whole of the far post to aim for, but from a difficult angle his effort went narrowly wide.

Undeterred, Rovers continued to threaten, and in the 29th minute Gomez, who operated at the tip of a midfield diamond that caused Boro problems throughout, nearly finished a move he had started.

Grant Leadbitter was then not far wide from a similar range.

But Jason Steele, who was making a return to his former club, was untroubled before the break.

Indeed the biggest threat to Rovers in the opening period came from themselves. On too many occasions they over-played at the back.

But there was still plenty for Paul Lambert to be encouraged by.

And the Rovers boss would also have been encouraged by the way his side started the second half, too.

The home faithful were growing increasingly restless although their groans may have turned to cheers had Ben Gibson been able to keep a half-volley down.

Back came Rovers. Tommy Spurr made a stirring run down the left before pulling the ball back for Middlesbrough old boy Danny Graham, who in turn teed up Lenihan.

And the young midfielder may have toasted his first goal for the club had his on-target side-footer not been blocked behind.

But, after half-time substitute Christian Stuani headed over an inviting cross, Rovers went in front for the first time in seven league outings.

Pushing back Boro into their own half, like they had done all afternoon, the ball broke to Lenihan, whose intelligent pass inside found Gomez in space.

And the Spaniard did not need asking twice as he smashed a superb left-footed shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards.

Middlesbrough brought on Rhodes but it was Nugent who brought them level, heading in at the back post after Emilio Nsue was all too easily allowed to pick him out.

Rovers should have retaken the lead in the 89th minute after Ben Marshall’s free kick was cleared only as far as Akpan.

But, 12 yards from goal, the midfielder dragged the ball agonisingly past the post. He had to score.

And, with Boro piling on the pressure, Akpan and Rovers so nearly paid the price when Ward came close to turning a cross into his own goal before Steele showed a safe pair of hands to collect a 30-yarder from Rhodes that bounced right in front of him.

Middlesbrough: Konstantopoulos, Nsue, Ayala (Kalas 45), Gibson, De Laet, Adomah (Rhodes 77), Clayton, Leadbitter, Downing, Kike Sola (Stuani 46), Nugent. Subs not used: Mejias, Ramirez, de Sart, Forshaw.

Booked: Kike Sola, Leadbitter.

Goal: Nugent 79.

Rovers: Steele, Marshall, Ward, Hanley, Spurr, Evans, Lenihan, Akpan, Gomez (Bennett 83), Watt (Jackson 74), Graham. Subs not used: Raya, Kilgallon, Taylor, Duffy, Conway.

Booked: Marshall, Lenihan, Evans, Hanley.

Goal: Gomez 72.

Referee: Dean Whitestone.

Attendance: 26, 244 (554 away).