While Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Shawky spent the whole game on the bench, striker Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' missed the game with a muscle injury.

Middlesbrough took their hosts by surprise when Jeremy Aliadiere volleyed David Wheater's chip pass into Paul Robinson's bar.

On 9 minutes, Blackburn responded but Ross Turnbull was alert to save Brett Emerton's half volley from Vincent Grella's pass.

Rovers threatened again in the 15th minute. Roque Santa Cruz hit a left-footed shoot from the edge of the box but his effort struck the upright.

In the 29th minute Santa Cruz once again caused havoc in the Middlesbrough box through a well-placed header, forcing another good save from Turnbull.

After the interval, the game's pace slowed down, and it wasn’t till the 74th minute that the visitors managed to break the deadlock.

Brazilian striker Afonso Alves did well to pick the lose ball and beat Anrde Ooijer before firing his shot past Robinson.

After the game, Middlesbrough seemed to be heading for a valuable away victory before substitute Benni McCarthy salvaged a draw for Rovers in the game's dying second.

The South African rose above the Boro defense to head a right flank corner in the back of Turnbull's net on 94 minutes.

The point lifts Middlesbrough to 12th in the table with ten points, while Blackburn remain 10th with 12 points.