Middlesbrough must be wondering how they only managed a point in the 1-1 draw at Blackburn as they look to pull away from the wrong end of the table.

The Teesiders looked on course for a third away win in four Premiership games after David Wheater's header had given them an early advantage.

In the second half Boro had chances to seal the points and improve their goal difference against a shaky Blackburn rearguard.

Jeremie Aliadiere twice had opportunities, the second in injury time, but failed to find the target.

Wheater headed against the woodwork but the miss of the game was by Tuncay Sanli; the Turkish player contrived to stumble over the ball from six yards with the goal gaping.

Inevitably Boro where made to pay for their profligacy as substitute Matt Derbyshire fired home on 75 minutes following Jason Robert's mishit shot.

"In one sense we should be leaving here upbeat with that performance which was away from home, at Blackburn, and was very good," said Boro boss Gareth Southgate.

"The player's should be leaving here with that in their mind. Having said that we missed gilt edged chances to wrap the game up, and that was disappointing.

"We could have had then dead and buried before they equalised - we could have scored three.

"Away from home it's great credit to the player's for the resilience they are showing on our recent travels.

"Overall though it was very frustrating."