Boro denied by late Carroll strike

13th March 2010

Andy Carroll's late strike rescued Coca-Cola Championship leaders Newcastle as Middlesbrough saw derby victory cruelly snatched from their grasp in a 2-2 draw.

The Geordie striker escaped the attentions of Boro defenders Stephen McManus and David Wheater to stab home an 82nd-minute equaliser to claim a precious point at the Riverside Stadium after Boro had come from behind to lead.

Scott McDonald's first Middlesbrough goal eight minutes earlier looked to have handed all three points to the Teessiders. The Australian turned smartly to steer home from Chris Killen's knock-down.

Peter Lovenkrands had given Newcastle the lead after 16 minutes. Jonas Gutierrez cut in from the left before sliding a perfect reverse pass into the feet of the Dane, who beat keeper Danny Coyne with ease to claim his 13th goal of the season.

It took a fine diving save from Steve Harper, who celebrates his 35th birthday tomorrow, to keep out Barry Robson's 29th-minute free-kick.

But the former Celtic midfielder's persistence paid off nine minutes before the break when he and McDonald combined 25 yards out before curling an unstoppable left-foot shot past the helpless Harper.

 Aliadiere missing for Boro
 Strachan hails Hughton
 McDonald a doubt for derby clash
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