LONDON, April 27(Xinhuanet)-- Middlesbrough movedtwo points clear of Tottenham in the fight for a UEFA Cup place by gaining a deserved point when they held Newcastle to goalles draw in an uninspiring local derby on Wednesday.

Boro keeper Brad Jones denied Newcastle a much-needed win with a superb save off a James Milner effort, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink had earlier wasted a fine opportunity for the visitorswhen he chipped into Shay Given's arms.

The Magpies had the better of a dour first half but had only Milner's volley to show as the opening stages were riddled with misplaced passes,and a Charles N'Zogbia shot which was blasted over.

Graeme Souness recalled Kieron Dyer after suspension and injury, and the England midfielder had an early penalty chance waved away by referee Mark Halsey after a fine surge into the area.

Just after the half hour mark Newcastle's hopes suffered a blow when Dyer suffered a recurrence of his hamstring strain and was replaced by Shola Ameobi.

Boro came back stronger after the break with aRay Parlour cross hit just wide by Slovakian international Szilard Nemeth.

But Newcastle showed the fatigue of their eighth game in 25 days, before they slowly awoke from their slumber and N'Zogbia shot wide before Milner unleashed his strike.

Darren Ambrose did his best to try and set up a late winner and Alan Shearer crossed for N'Zogbia to fire over in the dying seconds, but inthe end they had to settle for a point. Enditem