Matthew Todd gave Middesbrough a 3-0 lead against the run of play on 24 minutes but the Friaragemen went 5-3 ahead after 40 minutes when Adam Smith touched down in the railway corner after some good handling along the back line.

Jordan Miller dated over under the posts eight minutes into the second half with Todd’s conversion restoring the visitors’ lead 10-5.

The White Shirts bounced back and drew level 10-10 when Daz Fawcett kicked diagonally with advantage being played and Ian Mulvihill got the vital touch on the ball.

It looked like being stalemate until referee Paul Candlish awarded a penalty for a high tackle and Todd coolly put over the 39 metre penalty.

Rovers had the better of the nine minutes of added time but another score didn’t come.

Rovers; Harrison, S Flounders, Pelser, Grand, A Smith, Fawcett, Stephenson, Pinchen (c), Cushlow, Wise, D Smith, Little, A Flounders, L Wood, O’Callaghan. Subs used: Mulvihill, Ryan, Hanley

Middlesbrough: Thornburn, Goddison, Maloney, Miller, B Wood, Todd, Foley, Lynas, Palmer, Colvin, Lang, Tremlett, Pennington, Wilson (c), Mavin. Subs used: Moore, Laverick, Lonsdale

Referee: Paul Candlish (Durham Society)