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Match Report
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth 06 December 2003
STALEMATE FOR BORO AND POMPEY
Middlesbrough 0-0 Portsmouth
Richard Jolly reports
Six Premiership games without conceding a goal, Middlesbrough are the top flight's newest paragons of defensive excellence, but they were unable to beat a determined Portsmouth side at home.
It was even a Boro defender - Danny Mills - who rattled the woodwork but despite the second-half sending-off of Steve Stone, Middlesbrough were unable to break down a Pompey team whose own defence performed manfully.
Excel as they might at one end, Steve McClaren's team were insipid at the other. Mills, surging forward with intent and thrashing his shot against Pavel Srnicek's bar in the 74th minute, showed up the half-hearted efforts of many of his team-mates.
If Middlesbrough, as the in-form home side, did not play for a third goalless draw in six five games, then they certainly showed little inclination of wanting a win. Juninho at least attempted to stir Boro from their slumber.
Otherwise well policed by Portsmouth's screening midfielders, Alexei Smertin and Amdy Faye, he escaped their attentions with a solo sprint before lashing wide.
He also had the quick wit to attempt an overhead kick when Pavel Srnicek spilled a cross. Yet despite his shaky handling, the former Newcastle keeper was scarcely tested on his return to the North East.
Until George Boateng's late shot, he was only called into action by a harmless shot from Boudewijn Zenden, temporarily venturing out of Boris Zivkovic's pocket.
Not that Zenden was alone in his ineffectiveness. Jonathan Greening's only contribution was an ugly tackle on Amdy Faye and Michael Ricketts, after missing an early header, did nothing until being replaced, though he and Juninho can at least plead a lack of support in mitigation.
Portsmouth, after a run of three defeats, had the consolation of a point for their marginally greater ambition. They at least started positively as three opportunities fell to Yakubu Ayegbeni in the first ten minutes, but he dallied too long once and missed the target on two occasions.
With Teddy Sheringham retreating to link up with the midfield, the Nigerian was effectively a lone striker. The former England man was the only Pompey player to bring Mark Schwarzer into action while Yakubu, yet to gain the judgement to accompany his considerable ability, missed a better opportunity when he was crowded out by Boateng.
The Dutchman was among the more impressive performers, but they were all defensive. The second half descended into stalemate as defenders like Zivkovic, Matthew Taylor, Mills and Gareth Southgate won their individual battles.
Referee Steve Bennett busied himself by collecting cautions. Stone was the recipient of two, the latter for a trip on Massimo Maccarone. The Italian was one of two forward replacements introduced by McClaren.
The other, Szilard Nemeth, thought he had fashioned an injury-time winner as he tumbled over Hayden Foxe's challenge in the Portsmouth box. Bennett disagreed and booked him as well.
Report From  , For full report and stats, click here.
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