Boro held in pre-season opener

Wheater grabs equaliser against Blue Square Premier side

Last updated: 23rd July 2008

David Wheater

Wheater: Scored Boro's equaliser

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David Wheater scored a late equaliser to earn Middlesbrough a 2-2 draw at York City in their opening pre-season friendly.

Gareth Southgate's side appeared to be heading for defeat at KitKat Crescent until centre-half Wheater popped up at the far post.

After a scoreless first half, Southgate changed all 10 of his outfield players at the break and was soon rewarded when Boro took the lead.

Winger Stewart Downing burst into the box and played a low ball across the face of goal which was turned home by Jonathan Franks.

However, York rallied and drew level when Martyn Woolford broke clear and, after his shot was saved by Brad Jones, the highly-rated teenager Adam Boyes finished through the keeper's legs.

Jones was given no chance when York then grabbed the lead as reported Barnsley target Onome Sodje hammered the ball beyond the Boro shot-stopper.

But York were denied a notable pre-season victory when Wheater arrived at the back post to squeeze the ball inside the post.