Promotion-chasing Middlesbrough were held to a goalless draw by mid-table Fulham at the Riverside Stadium yesterday. 

Many would have expected Aitor Karanka's men to continue their great form that they have shown so far this season, which left them in second place before kick-off.

However, Fulham's defence had other ideas, and in a fairly cagey affair up in Teesside, they managed to keep their second clean sheet of the season.

Before kick-off, there was momentary excitement amongst the Fulham faithful as many thought Matt Smith would make his return from a knee injury for The Whites. But, Smith failed to even get onto the substitute's bench.

The possession was fairly equal, although varied at times throughout the match as both sides looked to seize the initiative.

David Nugent went close for the hosts, only to be denied by Fulham goalkeeper Andy Lonergan, while Ross McCormack fired over early on for the visitors, before forcing Dimi Konstantopoulos into a good save late on.

Even an injury to keeper Lonergan did not disrupt a solid and well-organised Fulham backline, and substitute keeper Joe Lewis did well to prevent Diego Fabbrini from netting a late winner.

Middlesbrough had 18 shots during the contest, although only a third of them worked the goalkeeper. Fulham had 13 shots, and only 3 of which were on target.

Fulham have now conceded 63 shots on target this season, which is more than any other team in the Championship. Yet if they defend like they did at the Riverside for the rest of the campaign, manager Kit Symons will be happy, as they thwarted one of the Championship's most clinical attacks.

Middlesbrough are now unbeaten in their last 13 home league matches against Fulham, but have now failed to win their last two league games, following a 2-0 defeat to Reading before the international break.

Fulham now have two important home games coming up against Leeds United and Reading, and it is important that Symons starts picking up victories, given the recent speculation surrounding his job.

On the other hand, Middlesbrough now have three tough away games on the trot, as they visit Cardiff City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United (League Cup Fourth Round), and will have to perform particularly well to get back to winning ways.

Middlesbrough and Fulham fans... what did you make of the match? Was a draw a fair result? What were both teams missing on the afternoon? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!