Everton 0 Middlesbrough 0 MIDDLESBROUGH claimed their fourth point in two Christmas games by claiming a goalless draw at Everton.

The Toffees, who had three penalty appeals waved away by referee Phil Dowd, enjoyed more of the possession at Goodison Park but found Boro in no mood to buckle.

The Teessiders, after defeating Charlton on Saturday, now head into this weekend's game with Blackburn looking to climb further away from the relegation zone.

And, in fairness and courtesy of an outstanding Jonthan Woodgate, Middlesbrough rarely looked like conceding against Everton.

EVERTON (4-4-2): Howard; Davies, Yobo, Lescott, Naysmith (Valente 66); Arteta, Osman, Carsley, McFadden (van der Meyde 66); Anichebe (Beattie 74), Johnson. Subs (not used): Wright, Weir.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-5-1): Schwarzer; Davies, Woodgate, Pogatetz, Taylor; Mendieta (Viduka 46), Cattermole (Parnaby 74), Boateng, Arca, Downing; Yakubu. Subs (not used): Jones, Rochemback, Christie.