Butland heroics keep Boro off the top spot
stoke city 0 Middlesbrough 0
Middlesbrough missed the chance to go back to the top of the table following an entertaining goalless draw at Stoke City.
Gary Rowett’s powerful Potters created numerous clear-cut chances, but failed to breach the most watertight defence in the English Football League – who have conceded just eight league goals so far this season.
Stoke’s star-studded front three of Benik Afobe, Tom Ince and Saido Berahino respectively all had decent chances to find the back of the net.
Home goalkeeper Jack Butland pulled off a string of fine saves to keep the game goalless.
Irishman James Mcclean was booed onto the field after making the decision to not wear a poppy on his Stoke shirt.
Speaking this week Mcclean said: “I know many people won’t agree with my decision or even attempt to gain an understanding of why I don’t wear a poppy.
“I accept that, but I would ask people to be respectful of the choice I have made, just as I’m respectful of people who do choose to wear a poppy.”
Ince powered forward for the Potters and played in Afobe only for his shot to deflect over.
Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross also missed the target when he headed wide from a corner.
Butland’s first fine save came when he kept out Martin Braithwaite from the edge of the area. And just two minutes later the England goalkeeper produced a stunning stop to deny Stewart Downing’s curling effort.
Former West Bromwich Albion striker Berahino did well to cut in on his right foot, before bending his effort just past the post.
Randolph spared Boro’s blushes when he headed a goal-bound back-pass off the line just after the restart.
And just before the hour Randolph was called into action once again, this time to catch Shawcross’ bullet header after a teasing Ince cross.
Butland produced the best save of the match to deny Jordan Hugill after the hour, though.
The West Ham United loanee, who joined the London club from Preston North End for a fee in the region of £8million in January, was bearing down on goal and was only kept out by Butland’s legs.
A timely fingertip from Randolph stopped Mcclean’s dangerous cross finding fellow substitute Peter Crouch inside the six-yard box late on.