Brentford 0-0 M’boro

Brentford and Middlesbrough extended their unbeaten streak in an end-to-end goalless draw in the league.

The bees made four unbeaten and Boro 10 in a game that always threatened but ultimately failed to upset the recent form guide.

Both teams had their chances, but the rebellious conclusion and two resolute defenses meant a standoff was the fairest outcome.

From the start Boro, who has only lost five league goals this season, seemed a tough nut to crack for the hosts who are still struggling to reach the heights of last season.

Vitaly Janelt squandered the best chance of closing the toughest matches for the West Londoners, but skied her close effort far beyond with jaw-dropping goal.

The first sniff of Brentford’s goal came in the 12th minute when Henrik Dalsgaard refused to give up a lost case by subtitle to squeeze into Sergi Canos, but the Spaniard couldn’t get past his man to get a far shot.

The hosts failed to find any kind of rhythm in a stop-start first half against the high press of Neil Warnock’s side, whose best early efforts came from Marcus Tavernier’s free-kick which went above and beyond.

Boro dominated possession for long periods without opening the hosts’ resolute defense, while Brentford remained patient in search of the opening.

But it was Brentford who almost took the lead by the half hour, Josh Dasilva broke through the lines to fire a cross shot just over the far post with his weaker right foot.

A few minutes later Canos forced Marcus Bettinelli to a routine stop with a speculative effort from the edge of the area as the game flowed and flowed without ever threatening to explode.

The tenacity of top scorer Ivan Toney, with ten goals, saw him enter the force area just before the break, but the danger was averted by a challenge to the last shot by Anfernee Dijksteel.

Brentford started better after half-time, but too often both sides saw any attacking intent dampened by exaggerated referee James Linington.

But when Boro broke he brought a threat and had a golden opportunity to take the lead after 54 minutes. Jonny Howson pounced on Mathias Jensen’s sloppy pass to run clear and square for former Brentford lender Chuba Akpom who turned his man just to catch fire.

Janelt’s chance to grab a winner on his debut came and ended on the hour when Dalsgaard’s cross rose well but skied his effort from close range.

Marc Bola is good at overcoming a volley that came out of the sky with a header, but with 20 minutes remaining his shot ended on the side of the post.

Middlesbrough grew in confidence in the finals and it was the bees’ turn to defend themselves, with Mads Bech Sorensen making a series of crucial blocks to keep the score stalled.

Lewis Wing thought he had won it for visitors in cooldown, but his quick turn and snapshot from the tightest of corners were confirmed by David Raya.