A Danny Johnson half-volley ensured Hartlepool hold Middlesbrough to a draw in a low-key affair.

After a slow first half, Danny Johnson struck home from a set-piece before Sonny Finch tied up proceedings.

Marcus Forss threatened for the visitors past the half-hour mark after his cut-in from the left led to a low drive that rippled off the near-side netting.

Another long-range effort followed soon after from Alex Gilbert, whose shot rose high over the crossbar to conclude an uneventful first half of football.

A breakthrough came just shy of the hour mark after an outswung set-piece from Besart Topallaj ricocheted to Danny Johnson, who converted inside the six-yard box on the half-volley.

Middlesbrough struck back within the last twenty minutes after a skilful run from deep by Finch was capped off with a curled strike into the bottom-right corner.

Hartlepool nearly made it two after a Luke Charman solo run past two, which preceded a powerful effort that sailed high over the bar in what turned out to be the last clear-cut chance of the match.

Pools: Trialist, Benn, McNally, Parkes, Topallaj, John, Sheron, Miley, Campbell, Charman, Johnson

Subs: Smith, Kouogun, Francis, Darcy, Stephenson, Walker, Hunter, Daly, Folarin, Featherstone, Trialist

Goals: Johnson 59’