Bournemouth 0-0 Middlesbrough

Lewis Grabban

Bournemouth's three-match winning run ended as they drew a blank against fellow mid-table side Middlesbrough.

Cherries top scorer Lewis Grabban had a first-half effort disallowed for a foul on keeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos.

Boro rarely threatened, but striker Lee Tomlin blazed over the bar when well placed just before the interval.

Konstantopoulos preserved a point for the visitors with second-half saves from Simon Francis and Andrew Surman as the hosts searched for a winner.

It was not to be for Eddie Howe's side - but they did record a fourth successive clean sheet.

The first half was devoid of many clear-cut chances but hinged on two decisions by referee Frederick Graham.

First, Boro captain Grant Leadbitter kicked out at Matt Ritchie after the ball had gone, following a clash near the touchline, but was only booked.

Then just before half-time, Konstantopoulos was robbed by Grabban, who rifled the ball into the net from an acute angle only to see the effort ruled out for a foul on the Greek.

Bournemouth stepped up a gear after the break, while Boro, whose last away win was against Blackpool in January, sacrificed Tomlin - who missed his side's best chance before the interval - for a fifth midfielder before the hour mark.

Ritchie thumped a cross-shot against the post and Konstantopoulos tipped over Francis's 25-yard drive before being called upon again to claw away Surman's measured effort from the edge of the box as Aitor Karanka's side held on for a hard-earned point.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said:

"We did everything we could to win that game. Middlesbrough were dogged opponents.

"It shows how far we've come this season that we are saying that we are disappointed only to draw with Middlesbrough.

"They showed us a lot of respect. We knew we would have to be at our best to break them down. We did not have that elusive chance."

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka said:

"At least we have a point. Bournemouth had more chances and played very well, so we have to be pleased.

"We need do more, we need to play better. The difference between us home and away is difficult for me to understand why.

"I would have like us to have rewarded the fans who travelled 300 miles to watch us with some goals."