Battling Bristol City frustrated Middlesbrough to gain a valuable Championship point on Teeside and restore lost pride. Manager Gary Johnson demanded a positive response in the wake of last week's demoralising 6-0 drubbing against Cardiff and his players obliged, keeping a rare clean sheet and steadying the ship. There were few highlights in a game which descended into a disjointed stalemate after half time, but that will not worry a City side desperate to bounce back after their midweek humiliation. It may not have been pretty, yet the Robins displayed grit and tenacity in abundance to produce a performance far more spirited than the abject one served up against the Bluebirds.
Bristol Evening Post
Middlesbrough's woes continued when Bristol City escaped the Riverside with a goalless Championship draw. City shipped six goals in midweek, but there was never any chance of a repeat as Boro's dismal home form continued - they have won just four of 14 home league games this term - despite having the better of the play. Recent signing Barry Robson was sent off in the second half for a second bookable offence after a tug on Nicky Maynard.
Sunderland Echo
Gordon Strachan praised the energy and enthusiasm of his reshaped side, but felt their work is not getting its just reward at the moment. Boro plugged away but were unable to break down a Bristol City side determined to keep a clean sheet after shipping six at home to Cardiff City on Tuesday. The home side had the better of the play throughout, only to be let down by poor finishing and Barry Robson's 58th-minute sending off. The midfielder's red card did nothing to tip the balance of the game, though - a tribute to the fitness of the 10 men who had to cope without him. "There was great enthusiasm from the team and that was the best in terms of team spirit I've seen since I came here," said Strachan. "It was a great football performance considering we were down to 10 men. We controlled the game and showed great enthusiasm but we had the old failing again in the 18-yard box.
Sunday Sun
Middlesbrough dropped another two points and now face a fight to keep highly-rated left-winger Adam Johnson. Sunderland and Manchester City are in a bidding war for the forward. Black Cats boss Steve Bruce was in the stands to check Johnson and is ready to make a move before the transfer window closes tomorrow. Manager Gordon Strachan handed the 22-year-old a starting place despite the distraction of intense interest from Premier League clubs which also include leaders Chelsea. Boro have turned down an initial £4million City offer and Sunderland are ready to pounce. Johnson, out of contract in the summer, is set for talks with City but Boro are desperate to block any deadline-beating switch.
News of the World
Adam Johnson waits to find out if this will prove to be his final game for Middlesbrough. If a £7m deal does go through before the deadline, it was a depressing way for the winger to bow out. Watched by Sunderland manager Steve Bruce, Johnson made little impact apart from a 54th minute break when he fired wide.
Mail on Sunday
Adam Johnson, in what could be his last game for Boro, provided the few flashes of genuine class in a 0-0 draw that was a dreadful advert for Championship football. Sunderland's Steve Bruce was among the 17,865 crowd running the rule over Johnson and his fellow England Under-21 international David Wheater before the transfer deadline closes. Johnson may not have repeated the heroics of the 4-1 midweek win over Doncaster but he still provided what little entertainment was on offer.
Sunday Mirror
Gordon Strachan applauded his team's "great footballing performance" as 10-man Middlesbrough held out for a goalless draw with fellow Coca-Cola Championship play-off hopefuls Bristol City at the Riverside Stadium. Boro had the better of the chances but failed to make them count, while City could not take advantage of their extra body following the 58th-minute dismissal of Barry Robson for a second yellow card. Strachan was pleased to see his side make it three games unbeaten and clock up their first clean sheet since the Boxing Day win over Scunthorpe, but admitted they still lack a cutting edge. "That was the best in terms of team spirit since I came here," he said.
Sporting Life
