Malcolm Christie completed a confidence-boosting 90 minutes for the first time since breaking a leg last November in Middlesbrough Reserves' 2-2 draw with Blackburn last night.

The former Derby County striker was not on the scoresheet, but turned in a lively performance.

However, there was a setback for Andrew Davies. The young defender has also been out for several months after suffering a broken leg - ironically in a Reserves game against Blackburn - in March.

He lasted just five minutes of last night's game before being hurt in a tackle. Although the injury is not thought to be serious it deprived the defender of valuable match practice.

A young Boro side staged a fine comeback to earn a draw and ensure both sides remained unbeaten this season.

Goalkeeper Ross Turnbull made an outstanding save to deny Jemal Johnson after 30 minutes and he very nearly saved a 38th minute penalty from Jonathan Douglas after Gavin Peers had been brought down.

There was nothing Turnbull could do as Rovers went two up two minutes later when Matt Jansen was left with a simple chance to head in a right wing cross from Jay Bothroyd.

Boro were much better in the second half and a superb strike from Danny Graham reduced the arrears after 58 minutes.

Sebastian Hines, who was switched from defence to midfield, added to the goal he scored at Everton last week with an excellent header 20 minutes from time.

Middlesbrough Reserves: Turnbull, Davies (Reed 9), Taylor, Kennedy, Bates, Wheater, McMahon, Hines, Christie, Graham, Johnson. Subs (not used): Knight (gk), Clough.