Leeds United 0 Middlesbrough 0: Boro indebted to keeper says Evans

Leeds United's Souleymane Doukara reacts after being denied a goal by Middlesbrough stopper Dimi Konstantopoulos. PIC: James Hardisty

Steve Evans paid tribute to 'the best save I've seen in a long time' after the fingertips of Dimi Konstantopoulos denied Leeds United victory over title-chasing Middlesbrough.

Boro’s goalkeeper produced a brilliant reaction 19 minutes from time to claw a header from Souleymane Doukara off his goalline as Leeds pushed for a late winner in a 0-0 draw at Elland Road.

Boro were bidding to return to the top of the Championship but they were forced to survive a late onslaught and a red card shown to Ben Gibson to earn a point against a United side who were noticeably improved from a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest nine days earlier.

Jordan Rhodes missed a late chance to earn Boro three points but Evans said: “Aitor Karanka (Boro’s manager) will feel very lucky.

“We’ve gone toe-to-toe with a wonderful team who’ve had two 10-minute spells. Other than that they’ve had 75 minutes of Leeds United being on top. I’d describe that save as the best save I’ve seen in a long time. Everyone in the ground is off their feet, thinking it’s in.

“They’ll look at Jordan Rhodes’ chance as a chance which the top striker in the Championship would normally put away, but 1-0 to them would have been an injustice. I’m really pleased.”

United’s performance came on a night of further protests by fans against owner Massimo Cellino. Ahead of kick-off, images were projected onto the south face of Elland Road’s East Stand, calling for Cellino to sell the club.

Evans said: “It’s not my job to get involved. Supporters are the lifeblood of any club. Leeds supporters will be here before any owner, coach or player and a long time after.

“But they want to see performances on the pitch, that’s what disappoints them. Tonight they saw an outstanding performance.”