Last updated on .From the section Championship

Britt Assombalonga (right) spurned Boro's best second-half chance

Championship leaders Middlesbrough were held by a Rotherham side who picked up their first away point of the season.

In an even first half Boro's Darren Randolph saved Ryan Williams' close-range shot, while Martin Braithwaite went through one-on-one for the hosts but finished tamely.

Rotherham soaked up more pressure after the break, Britt Assombalonga failing to connect from five yards after Stewart Downing's effort was spilt.

The Millers came closest to a winner when Michael Smith's 20-yard strike was tipped over by Randolph.

Tony Pulis' Boro stay top on goal difference after second-placed Sheffield United drew at home to Stoke, while Rotherham move three points clear of the relegation zone.

The home side had 65% possession at the Riverside and 20 shots to their opponents' eight, but hit the target just five times as Paul Warne's side defended well in his 100th game as boss.

First-half misses from Williams and Braithwaite came within a minute of each other, with Randolph's stop particularly impressive on his 400th club appearance.

Boro threw on Jordan Hugill and Rudy Gestede as they chased a goal, but Rotherham survived a series of late corners to avoid defeat.

Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis told BBC Tees:

"We had 49 crosses - I don't know how many times we hit the near post.

"Martin Braithwaite's chance in the first half, you've got to finish those chances and then it's a different game.

"The problem we've got is the top end of the pitch and I keep saying, we're getting into really good positions and those opportunities are not being turned into chances."

Rotherham manager Paul Warne told BBC Sheffield:

"I'm really proud - we asked them to play with a bit of courage, and you've got to come here and quieten the crowd.

"I thought we defended really well, the lads gave everything they could physically and even if we'd have conceded late on I'd have still been really proud of their performance.

"Late on I thought we were going to nick it - if we'd have nicked a goal at the end that would've been pretty amazing."