OSEPH-DESIRE JOB saved a point for Boro with an 82nd-minute

 JOSEPH-DESIRE JOB saved a point for Boro with an 82nd-minute strike that cancelled out Tomasz Radzinski's goal-of-the-month contender.

The Teessiders looked to be heading for another defeat on the road but Job bundled home from Bolo Zenden's corner to send the Boro fans home happy.

Everton, inspired by England starlet Wayne Rooney, roared ahead 12 minutes from time with a majestic three-man move that ended with Radzinski firing home.

Boro boss Steve McClaren was happy with a draw that ended a run of three away defeats.

He said: "You have to be satisfied with a point after being one down with 12 minutes to go. I'm delighted with the way we came back.

"The back four were magnificent but I'm delighted with the attitudes of all my players. After winning the Carling Cup the other week, they could have tailed off.

"All of them are striving to get this club into its highest finish in the Premier League."

Everton manager David Moyes said: "I've watched their goal six times on video now and it looks like it was a deflection.

Deflected

"Joseph Yobo cleared it and it deflected off Job's knee into the goal.

"I'm disappointed with the result because it was important to get a win. We were going for it and what a great goal from Radzinski.

"Yobo started it with the pass but it was a terrific ball from Kevin Kilbane and a brilliant finish.

"I thought that was going to win the game but it wasn't to be."

Boro started the breezier as Job fired over before almost putting them ahead. He latched on to a long ball but keeper Nigel Martyn did enough to save his weak shot.

And it was the same result when Zenden tried his luck after good work from Juninho.

Everton were struggling to settle with Rooney being bumped all over the place by Boro's defence.

The England man did send Radzinski clear only for his Canadian strike partner to hit the side netting.

Shortly after that a stunning burst from Rooney ended with a cut-back to Steve Watson, who just failed to take it in his stride.

It was good stuff from both sides. Massimo Maccarone and Juninho linked to send Mendieta away before Kevin Kilbane broke at the other end only for Radzinski to waste the chance.

Rooney caused problems for Gareth Southgate and Chris Riggott.

On the half hour Rooney fired inches wide.

Everton defender Alan Stubbs went close to breaking the deadlock just before half-time.

A corner was swung over from the right, Stubbs took a ride on Southgate's back but got away with it and thundered in a header which Mark Schwarzer saved with a brilliant reaction.

Rooney was everywhere, chasing and hurrying, and was unlucky with the last kick of the half.

Drive

Radzinski stormed down the right, Watson fed Gravesen and Rooney's flick from the Dane's cross-shot was deflected over by Danny Mills.

David Unsworth came on at half-time for his 300th Everton appearance in place of Stubbs. Moyes' men almost took the lead.

Radzinski surged through the middle of their defence, unloaded a drive and Rooney just failed to latch on to the parry from Schwarzer.

Riggott saved the day for Boro with a swift boot out of play.

The Rooney-Radzinski double act worked again as the latter charged to the byeline but Rooney just failed to turn home his cross.

Boro struggled to get out of their half and McClaren sacrificed the disappointing Maccarone for more midfield grit in the shape of Doriva.

Doriva lasted all of six minutes before limping off with an injury. Then Everton livened things up by almost committing suicide.

Job steamed into the area as Alessandro Pistone under-hit a backpass but Martyn saved the day.

A moment of brilliance lit up the grey skies over Goodison.

Yobo hit a 50-yard ball from the back, Kilbane guided it into the path of Radzinski and the Canadian rifled past Schwarzer.

It was a stunning move that deserved to win the game but Boro did not read the script.

With eight minutes to go, Zenden sent over a corner, the ball was only half cleared through a sea of legs and Job popped up to bundle home.