All Albion fans would've happily taken a point before the game, and while there is a sense that this was a missed opportunity, it still represents another step in the right direction. The application and performance were certainly more like that at Fulham than that at Blackburn, for example, which can only be a good thing. Albion played as if they believed they could win the game, and very nearly did.

Robson picked the team that most expected, with Albrechtsen the man to miss out thanks to Robinson's return from suspension. As it was, both Alby and Watson got 45 minutes each, and I think if Robson had determined it to be a straight swap between the two, he was justified in his initial selection. Watson has got better as the season has gone on and, while I feel that he might be a better choice than Clem in the centre at the moment, he looked a lot more assured defensively than Albrechtsen at the Riverside. It may be a slightly unfair comparison as Boro' switched their formation in the second half, but Alby got caught out more than once positionally and only his pace, and that of Davies, kept trouble at bay.

Davies and Clement both did OK although I am worried that Clem is making too many silly mistakes at the moment. Neither Moore nor Gaardsoe have the recent history to suggest that they would improve the central defensive unit, which is why I think Watson should be considered for that role. Clement did have some very good moments defensively, with some timely interceptions and good strength in the air, but he seems to struggle a little too often with long straight balls.

Robinson looked like a guy that hasn't played football for a few weeks. He was not quite the sharp tigerish chipmunk we have missed so much, although his commitment cannot be faulted. I'm sure he'll be back to his best in a couple of games, but he was just a little off the pace at times. Despite the protestations of innocence of the time, I think the referee got the penalty decision spot on - it was a rash and unnecessary challenge. It also came just as the crowd were beginning to get on the backs of the home side - another five minutes in front and I feel sure Boro would not have come back.

As a whole, the defensive unit did OK. They were exposed once of twice, but I believe that was partially due to Albion's attacking outlook. From the first minute, they took the game to Boro' winning a series of early corners and spending much of the opening ten minutes in the hosts' half. It was Boro's first meaningful attack that brought the opening goal, and the chance came about thanks to a huge slice of luck as a ricochet fell perfectly for Mark Viduka - mind you, the shot couldn't have been hit better.

It was hugely encouraging that Albion didn't let their heads drop and kept on going forward. They got their rewards when Queudrue forgot just how long Kanu's legs are as he tried to pass the ball out of defence. Albion got just as lucky as Boro' as the ball fell perfectly for Ellington, and he finished in the manner of a striker high on confidence for his third goal in two games.

Boro' probably enjoyed the better of the remainder of the half, but with Wallwork and Inamoto working hard in the middle once again, chances were not too numerous. Kuszczak was forced into action a couple of times, but Albion saw it through to half time on level terms.

The second half was all round good entertainment. Boro' started it well but Albion always looked dangerous on the break. Kanu and Ellington are developing into a potent partnership as they are both strong in the air and good at holding the ball up, and the combination of Kanu's genius and Ellington's pace means that they always look like creating chances.

But it was Robinson who got the assist for Albion's second. So many times I've complained about Albion sides in the past that don't break quick enough - this was the perfect breakaway goal. Greening headed out from a Middlesbrough corner and found Kamara, who swung a big ball out to Robinson who had sprinted out into the right wing position. He got up to the edge of the area unopposed and then waited for support. He squared the ball to Kanu who drifted past one defender and struck the ball between two more into the far corner of the net.

The Boro' equaliser came from nothing ten minutes later as Robinson switch quickly from hero to villain, and the remainder of the game was real end-to-end stuff. Despite the introduction of Hasselbaink late on, it was Albion who looked the more likely winners as the game drew to a close, and Ellington and Greening both wasted good chances and only a fantastic block from Riggott denied Carter another spectacular goal - even Ronnie got in on the act with a curling shot that Schwarzer did well to parry.

A draw was just about the right result and, although Albion drop a place in the table, they should feel confident that they can pick up points in the next three Premiership games to be in a comfortable position come Christmas.

Marks

Tomasz Kuszczak - 7 - One or two very good saves.
Neil Clement - 6 - OK but still worries me at times.
Curtis Davies - 6 - Still shows the odd signs of inexperience but did OK.
Paul Robinson - 6 - A little rusty but good to have him back.
Ronnie Wallwork - 7 - A good performance from Ronnie, good tackling, good passing.
Steve Watson - 7 - Solid at the back and good innovation in attack.
Jonathan Greening - 6 - Still not firing on all cylinders.
Junichi Inamoto - 7 - Another good showing.
Nathan Ellington - 7 - Still learning the Prem, but looks confident now.
Diomansy Kamara - 6 - A bit in and out; one or two good moments.
Nwankwo Kanu - 8 - MOM. Excellent performance; looks to be enjoying himself.

Martin Albrechtsen - 5 - Not the best day for Alby.
Darren Carter - 6 - Did OK; unlucky with the volley late on.

Bryan Robson - 8 - Looks to be getting the side in the right frame of mind; can't complain too much about line-up or subs.

Jon Want, 28th November 2005.