Boro played out a goalless draw with Harrogate Town in our final away pre-season friendly.
It was a game of few chances at the Exercise Stadium, but there were plenty of positives to take from the game for Michael Carrick and his staff.
The first half was light on goalmouth action, although Sol Brynn was called into action early on in the Boro goal, tipping away an acrobatic effort from Anthony O’Connor.
Alex Gilbert forced a low save from Mark Oxley at the other end as the away side grabbed hold of possession.
Harrogate carried a goal threat, with Ellis Taylor whipping a low shot narrowly wide from the right of the box.
But it was Boro who ended the first 45 on top, almost forcing a breakthrough when Gilbert’s clip found Aidan Morris and his fizzer across the area was scrambled clear.
Harley Hunt was introduced by Carrick at the break, with the 16-year-old making his first senior appearance since his summer arrival from Swindon Town.
The defender looked assured from the outset at Boro continued to keep Harrogate at bay, with George McCormick contributing to that with a fine block from Toby Sims.
Two of Boro’s summer signings combined as Morris brilliantly played in Delano Burgzorg, but his low strike was blocked.
Sonny Finch was off target with two efforts and Gilbert had another shot blocked as the visitors continued to search for a breakthrough.
The deadlock would ultimately not be broken as the teams were forced to settle for a draw.
Boro complete their pre-season programme at home to Heerenveen on Saturday.
Harrogate Town: Oxley, Burrell, M Daly, J Daly, Folarin, Sims, O’Connor, Sutton, Taylor, Dooley, March.
Subs: Belshaw, Asare, Foulds, Falkingham, Thomson, Cornelius, Duke-McKenna, Muldoon, Moorby.
Boro: Brynn, van den Berg (Hunt 46), Barlaser, Burgzorg, Gilbert (Cartwright 73), Dijksteel (Gitau 73), Morris (Lennon 85), Coburn (Hamelberg 85), McCormick, Lenihan (Wilson 73), Finch (Willis 73).
Subs: Glover.
