STEVE THOMPSON'S second-half thunderbolt was enough to give Boro a share of the spoils against a resolute Tottenham side at Rockliffe Park.

The youngster who was rewarded with a new third year scholarship last season showed he had not lost his goal-scoring touch when rifling home from the edge of the six-yard box.

New coach Martin Scott included England U18 captain Josh Walker in his starting line up along with the returning John Johnson.

Joe Bennett, who made a string of impressive appearances for the Reserves last season, also played and there was a place in goal for trialist Sam Filler.

Boro started the brighter of the two sides and should have gone in front through Jason White but the young striker could only direct his header over the crossbar.

Both Thompson and Johnson also went close for the home side but the scores remained level at half-time.

It was 15 minutes into the second half when Boro broke the deadlock after Spurs failed to clear a corner. The ball fell broke to Thompson, who beat two defenders inside the box and lashed home from close range.

But the hosts' lead did not last long after Jake Livermore's 20-yard shot gave rookie keeper Filler no chance in the Boro goal.

Both sides pressed for a winner and Boro thought they might have had it when Thompson's acrobatic overhead kick was brilliantly saved by Butcher.

However, Scott will have been happy with an encouraging performance.

BORO: Filler; Saiko (Corker 67), McCardle, Walker, Johnson, Smallwood, Harris, Bennett (Burton 45), Thompson, White (Martin 55), Cronesberry. Unused subs: Edwards, Hawkins.