Middlesbrough secured a 0-0 draw with Brentford to make it 10 games without defeat in all competitions.

In truth Neil Warnock's side should have taken all three points but will be happy enough with a point against last term's play-off finalists.

The first half was a cagey affair but one that the Teessiders would be pleased with.

Working tirelessly off the ball, they gave the Bees no time to play their usual free-flowing style of play - meaning that they were limited merely to half-chances and speculative efforts from range.

For Middlesbrough the game plan in the first 45 worked perfectly.

Knowing that they wouldn't dominate possession the plan was to work on the counter and win set-pieces in dangerous positions.

This led to a number of free-kicks around the area but a lack of quality in the delivery meant that David Raya's goal was rarely threatened.

The second half opened up slightly and Middlesbrough pressed forward.

A fine pass from Paddy McNair found Jonny Howson who teed up Chuba Akpom in the area only for the striker to fire his effort over the bar.

Brentford had two wonderful opportunities of their own moments later as Marc Bola cleared the ball of the line before Vitaly Janelt sent his effort over the bar from point-black range.

Hayden Coulson also had an effort which he sent over the bar from the edge of the area, before Bola volleyed an excellent effort wide of the mark.

Marvin Johnson and Britt Assombalonga were then introduced and almost combined for a goal as the winger attempted to find the striker in the box only for Ethan Pinnock to clear the danger.

Middlesbrough continued to pile on the pressure in the closing stages as Marcus Tavernier pushed forward and set up Wing who had his effort closed down at the final moment to deny a goal.

But despite their best efforts the winning goal didn't arrive and Boro had to settle for a point as they enter the international break without a defeat in 10 games in all competitions.

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