GOALKEEPER Simon Eastwood produced a man-of-the-match performance to earn Blackburn Rovers a point in a goalless draw with high-flying Middlesbrough.

Rovers had their own chances to win the game but Eastwood pulled off two brilliant first-half saves to deny the away side all three points.

Jordan Rhodes hit the bar in the opening period as Rovers fought their way back into the match after a strong Middlesbrough start.

Eastwood twice denied the visitors, firstly tipping a low shot on to the post before saving from point-blank range as Middlesbrough pushed for the opening goal.

Aitor Karanka's men hit the woodwork twice in quick succession in the second half but that elusive goal never materialised.

Rudy Gestede came closest for Rovers in injury-time when his header was cleared off the line.

Rovers now sit five points off the play-offs.

For a full report and reaction see tomorrow's Lancashire Telegraph in paper and online.

Rovers: Eastwood, Baptiste, Hanley, Duffy, Olsson (Cairney 33), Conway, Tunnicliffe, Williamson (Taylor 83), Marshall, Rhodes, Gestede. Subs not used: Kean, Kilgallon, Dunn, Brown, Varney.

Booked: Gestede, Tunnicliffe.

Boro: Konstantopoulos, Veljkovic (Clayton 90), Ayala, Gibson, Friend, Whitehead, Leadbitter, Reach, Wildschut (Bamford 59), Kike, Vossen. Subs not used: Mejias, Tomlin, Omeruo, Nsue, Adomah.

Booked: Gibson, Whitehead, Ayala.

Referee: Carl Boyeson.

Attendance:  22,340 (6,988 away).