Tigers get the scraps BOWEN WINS PEN SCUFFLE

The Tigers striker had to snatch the ball from fit-again winger Kamil Grosicki – who tried to leave the club last month – before slotting home.

The goal cancelled out the opener from Britt Assombalonga and stopped Middlesbrough from taking top slot.

Adkins, whose strugglers face Leeds on Tuesday, revealed that he “had words” with Poland international Grosicki after he had tried to claim the ball for the 69th-minute penalty following Daniel Ayala’s foul on Chris Martin.

Adkins said: “We have talked about it because the penalty taker is on the board in the dressing room, so there is no misunderstanding – no one should be standing over the penalty spot.

“It was a great finish from Jarrod and clever play from Chris to get it. It is a good point for us against an excellent side who will be right up there.”

Boro boss Tony Pulis said: “The lads are disappointed because they had the chance to go top but it is one defeat all season.

“We can’t keep relying on the back lads. We need to be more clinical.”

Boro took the lead six minutes into the second half when Assombalonga smashed home Adam Clayton’s cross for his fourth goal of the season.

Referee Darren England pointed to the spot when Ayala bundled Martin to the ground and Bowen stepped up to send Darren Randolph the wrong way.

Boro had the best chance to sneak three points but David Marshall made a superb save at the death to keep out Jonny Howson’s header.