Premiership: Whelan earns 'Boro draw

Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (full-time)

Noel Whelan took one of many Middlesbrough chances to earn his side a draw at St Mary’s after Swedish international Anders Svensson had put Saints ahead in the first half.

Pahars got down the right and his centre fell perfectly for the on-rushing Rory Delap but he could only head tamely wide from the edge of the six-yard box.

Southampton had Claus Lundekvam booked for descent before Pahars almost snatched an injury-time winner.

Cutting in from the right the little Latvian unleashed a fierce left foot shot which was destined for the top corner until Schwarzer leapt to his right to make a fantastic save.