Source: Northern_Echo
Boro held to bore draw by Bristol City
ADAM Johnson might have played, but ten-man Middlesbrough were unable to make a breakthrough as they drew 0-0 with Bristol City this afternoon.[LNB] Johnson started despite sustained interest from Manchester City, who are hoping to sign him before the transfer window closes on Monday, but the winger failed to inspire his side to victory.[LNB] Indeed, with former Celtic midfielder Barry Robson being dismissed midway through the second half, the Teessiders rarely looked like emulating Tuesday night's 4-1 win at Doncaster.[LNB] Chances were few and far between during a low-key first half, with Middlesbrough struggling to find the final pass to complement their energetic approach play.[LNB] Left-back Justin Hoyte was the chief culprit, with his need to cut inside to his preferred right foot negating a succession of decent crossing positions.[LNB] David Wheater headed over the bar in the 21st minute, and Leroy Lita fired in a low shot that Dean Gerken saved at his near post, but despite having scored four goals in the week, Boro rarely looked like breaking the deadlock.[LNB] Their task became much tougher in the 57th minute as January signing Barry Robson was dismissed for his second yellow card.[LNB] Having already been booked for a foul in the first half, Robson misjudged a tackle on Nicky Maynard and was sent off. The dismissal was a soft one, but Robson could hardly complain after an afternoon of incessant moaning at referee Colin Webster.[LNB] Bristol City improved with a man advantage, but Patrick Agyemang wasted their best opportunity, heading straight at Danny Coyne with 18 minutes left.[LNB] MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Coyne; McMahon, Wheater, Grounds, Hoyte (Arca 64); Flood, O'Neil, Robson, Johnson; Lita (Franks 73), Killen.[LNB] Subs (not used): Steele (gk), Taylor, McManus, Bennett, L Williams.[LNB] BRISTOL CITY (5-3-2): Gerken; Orr, Carey, Fontaine, Nyatanga (Sproule 85), McAllister; Skuse (Elliott 46), Hartley, Campbell-Ryce; Agyemang, Maynard (Haynes 72).[LNB] Subs (not used): Henderson (gk), Clarkson, Sno, Saborio.[LNB]
