Middlesbrough 2 Portsmouth 2: Boro pay the price for wasting opportunities as debutant strikes

Dutch forward Marvin Emnes, who signed a three-year contract extension to end speculation linking him with Swansea, put Boro ahead midway through the first half, only for David Norris – another Pompey newcomer – to level shortly after the interval.

Rhys Williams quickly restored the hosts’ advantage after being played through by Nicky Bailey, but Boro were unable to find a killer third goal and paid the price when Varney fired home in the second minute of added time.

Carl Ikeme made his debut in goal for Boro on loan from Wolves, while visiting chief Steve Cotterill, who named just four substitutes, handed first competitive starts to Norris and Varney.

Boro were the first to threaten and Barry Robson twice went close although former Boro loanee Dave Kitson tested Ikeme.

Tony Mowbray’s side took the lead through Emnes when strike partner Scott McDonald cut the ball back to the Dutchman, who took a touch before swivelling and drilling a low shot into the bottom left corner.

Emnes shot wide soon after as the rain grew heavier, and McDonald, Justin Hoyte and Robson also went close.

Pompey had a chance to draw level a minute before the break, but Hayden Mullins failed to keep his shot down.

It took the visitors less than two minutes to score in the second half as Norris beat Ikeme with a powerful low shot.

Boro were soon back ahead through Williams’s cool finish only for Varney to pop up and score after Dailly’s initial effort had been blocked.

Middlesbrough: Ikeme, McMahon, McManus, Bates,Bennett, Hoyte, Rhys Williams, Bailey, Robson,Emnes (Zemmama 90), McDonald. Unused substitutes: Kink, Hines, Martin, Smallwood.

Portsmouth: Ashdown, Ben-Haim, Rocha (Kanu 64), Mokoena, Hreidarsson (Williams 63), Halford, Ward, Norris, Mullins (Dailly 83), Kitson, Varney. Unused substitutes: Henderson.

Referee: G Salisbury (Lancashire).

Man of the match: Rhys Williams.