Newcastle went into the game having lost their last five games -- in the league, UEFA [Images] Cup and FA Cup -- in two terrible weeks and there appeared little motivation in the team whose season has imploded.

Middlesbrough were only slightly more positive, though the point strengthened their grip on seventh place, which should be enough for a return to the UEFA Cup after they made their European debut this season.

Boro have 50 points, four adrift of sixth-placed Bolton Wanderers but two ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, who they play on May 7 and three clear of Aston Villa, with all four clubs having three games left.

Middlesbrough had a series of half-chances, the best wasted by Szilard Nemeth and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, but the best opportunities fell to Newcastle in the last few minutes.

Firstly, James Milner unleashed a stinging shot only for young keeper Bradley Jones to save brilliantly and, deep into injury time, Alan Shearer crossed for French midfielder Charles N'Zogbia, who lifted his close-range shot over the bar.

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