Martins denied in derby stalemate

The Nigeria international hit the woodwork with a 35th-minute shot in a game that burst into life after the break.

Shay Given had to pull off a fine save to deny full-back Justin Hoyte 15 minutes from time and Boro's record signing Afonso Alves squandered a host of chances.

The industrious Danny Guthrie carved his way into the Boro penalty area 10 minutes before the break and saw his shot blocked by Emanuel Pogatetz. Martins was quickest to react and thumped a left-foot shot against the crossbar with Ross Turnbull beaten.

Stewart Downing fired a right-foot shot over with 17 minutes gone and Julio Arca curled an effort too high 14 minutes later.

Didier Digard might have given Boro the perfect start to the second half had he connected with a volley but he completely missed his kick.

Guthrie went much closer at the other end two minutes later when he drilled a right-foot effort just wide. Pogatetz had to hack away a 52nd-minute Charles N'Zogbia cross inside the six-yard box.

Afonso Alves saw a 55th-minute shot deflected wide after Digard had done well to find him on the edge of the box, although he was slow to react to Jose Enrique's error three minutes later, and Sebastien Bassong had to come to his rescue with Jeremie Aliadiere looming.

Martins saw a long-range effort clip a defender and drop just wide. Mark Viduka's arrival as a 65th-minute replacement for the Nigerian did not go down well with the locals.

The Australian almost made an impact when he shot for goal from Michael Owen's knock-down, but Pogatetz made a match-saving block to deny his former team-mate.