Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace played out a goalless draw at the Riverside this afternoon.

Tony McMahon saw an early header well saved by Julian Speroni in the Palace goal before the visitors threatened through Wilfried Zaha and Chris Martin.

The start of the second half saw early chances for both sides, with Darren Ambrose flashing a shot over the bar for the Eagles before Speroni watched a shot from Marvin Emnes go just wide of his right-hand post.

For the remainder of the game, both sides heaved balls deep into the area but neither could break down the other defence.

The visitors, who move up one place to 14th, are still searching for their first win of 2012 after the stalemate while Boro have dropped to fifth following Blackpool's win at Cardiff.