THE defence had a busy afternoon as Boro's youngsters produced a backs to the wall performance to come away with a hard fought draw.

Jason Steele was handed the captain's armband with Steve Thompson leading the line.

After an even opening to the game, the home side began to dominate the majority of possession but were kept out by a well organised defence marshalled by Richard Smallwood.

The youngster had started on the bench after producing a Man of the Match display in Boro Reserves 4-0 win at Wigan last Wednesday night but was called into action early, replacing the injured Lewis McCardle.

Joshua Apps' last-ditch challenge, when the Blackburn striker looked to be one on one, was perfectly timed, while Theo Furness was also outstanding.

In fact, Boro could have nicked it in the second half when Thompson's cross-shot eluded the keeper but just went wide and Ashley Corker's rasping shot was tipped over the bar.

But it was certainly a point earned rather than two points lost.