Hasselbaink earns hero status with late header

Middlesbrough 2 Newcastle 2

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink became an instant folk hero at the Riverside with a last-minute header to steal a point for Middlesbrough in the north-east derby.

The Dutch striker’s goal – which had a suspicion of hand-ball – stole the thunder from Alan Shearer, who thought he had secured victory with a late penalty, and gave more than a hint just how valuable an asset he may prove this season.

The last-gasp action put the seal on a match where the excitement levels rose the longer the game progressed.

Craig Bellamy’s breakaway goal had broken the deadlock in the first half and the game was drifting Newcastle’s way before Stewart Downing came off the bench to make it 1-1, thanks to a fantastic Hasselbaink pass. Shearer ratcheted it up another notch from the spot before Hasselbaink gave the game its finale.

Middlesbrough had gone into this match full of confidence. Their new signings had meant to herald a brave new world at the Riverside – and, as well, Newcastle looked badly under strength at centre-back where Robbie Elliott – with just one game in the last 20 months – lined up alongside Aaron Hughes.

Of course, Newcastle had new signings too, and those in black and white certainly played as well as Boro’s with Stephen Carr and Nicky Butt were particularly impressive.

In the opening exchanges though, it was all Middlesbrough. Hasselbaink tried his luck with a left-footed volley less than 10 seconds into his Teesside career and the Magpies must have been relieved to see it strike one of their players.

There was some lovely interplay involving Boro’s attackers but though Hasselbaink’s step-over deceived Newcastle it surprised his strike partner Joseph-Desire Job as well.

Ray Parlour was booked for a rugged late challenge on Olivier Bernard, and Laurent Robert had a go with a 40-yard direct free-kick that flew well wide.

After being on the back foot, Newcastle suddenly scored in the 14th minute. Hughes’ attempted through pass to Craig Bellamy should have been cut out but Chris Riggott allowed the ball to travel under his foot.

The Welsh striker was never going to be caught and he swerved past the oncoming Mark Schwarzer before finishing with ease.

Despite the setback Middlesbrough continued to press and Hasselbaink met Gaizka Mendieta’s corner with a good header but he could only direct it over the crossbar.

The next opportunity fell to Butt, who met Robert’s header with a dipping volley from the edge of the box but cursed himself as the shot skewed wide.

Mendieta engineered a fine passing move – after a delightful nutmeg of Butt - but the Spaniard could not find a shot of matching quality when the ball ended up back at his feet.

Shearer then made contact with a brave diving header but Riggott got just enough of a block to divert it away from goal.

Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren made a tactical switch at the break, sending on Szilard Nemeth in place of Job in the hope that the Slovakian striker’s pace would freshen up the attack.

Bellamy tried a volley on the turn after his first shot had come back to him, but he could not keep it down, and then from Mendieta’s free-kick the ball dropped to Hasselbaink who had a snap-shot but Shearer made a terrific block.

McClaren had to revive his troops and his answer was to throw on young left-winger Downing with Zenden dropping to right-back.

But Bellamy nearly embarrassed Middlesbrough again when Schwarzer and Ugo Ehiogu both dithered and the striker managed to toe poke the ball but missed the target.

Middlesbrough threw caution to the wind and Downing brought a flying save out of Shay Given from 30 yards. His next effort, a volley, went high into the crowd.

Mendieta tried to lob Given after a good break but could only find the top of the net – to the disgust of the unmarked Hasselbaink.

Downing did grab himself a piece of glory though in the 73rd minute. Nemeth knocked the ball out to Hasselbaink on the right and his astute ball found Downing, waiting at the other side of the goal, and he steadied himself before firing through Carr’s legs and past Given.

Mendieta went in search of a winner and nutmegged Butt for a second time to earn himself a sight of goal but Given pulled off a classy reaction save.

With eight minutes left, a terribly clumsy challenge by Zenden left Shola Ameobi on the turf and referee Steve Bennett pointing to the spot. Shearer made no mistake, confidently thumping it home.

Jermaine Jenas should have wrapped it up from close range but unaccountably missed – and Newcastle were made to pay.

Zenden took advantage of Dyer’s slip to bend over a fantastic cross and, in the 90th minute, Hasselbaink stooped at the far post to head in, perhaps with the help of a shoulder, from a couple of yards out.