AT least there no manager will be getting the sack after this result, but Tony Pulis was not the only man at the Riverside Stadium left scratching his head after watching Middlesbrough fire blanks again.

It was after the pre-Christmas win at Sheffield Wednesday when Boro’s Garry Monk lost his job and then the following day it also proved to be the downfall for The Owls’ Caros Carvalhal too.

Pulis has got Middlesbrough performing better, defending more effectively and creating plenty of chances – and yet they still haven’t enjoyed a league win on Teesside under him; in fact they have not even scored a goal.

This was the fourth time from his five home games in charge, including the two FA Cup ties, that he has seen his team fail to conjure up the little bit of magic required in the final third to earn victory.

At least this time there was to be no late sucker punch dished out by the visitors, with Sheffield Wednesday unable to hit a late winner like Aston Villa, Fulham and Brighton have beforehand.

Middlesbrough created enough chances, 20 of them all in and seven on target, and yet could find no way to beat goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith. It will be hoped England Under-21 international Jack Harrison can help change that.

Harrison, sent out immediately on loan by Manchester City to the North-East after his £4m move from New York City, was sat in the stands as Sheffield Wednesday recorded a third goalless league draw in a row under Jos Luhukay.

Middlesbrough’s failure to find that crucial breakthrough, despite boasting the most expensive list of attacking options in the Championship, means they are still three points shy of the top six.

It was not that Boro had performed poorly in their previous home games under Pulis, but there was a need for his side to be more clinical in the final third and they couldn't manage it.

Not even top scorer Britt Assombalonga could change that after being recalled, with Boro in need of a victory to stay in touch with the top six.

Intriguingly, despite uncertainty ahead of the transfer window closing, both Ashley Fletcher and Martin Braithwaite were named as substitutes, perhaps as an indication that they could yet see beyond the deadline on Teesside. Marvin Johnson, interesting Oxford but unlikely to return there, was not. Goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos, a Sunderland target, was also on the bench.

Pulis, demanding more from his team in an attacking sense at home, wanted a bright start and almost got one from an unlikely source – direct from a corner. Grant Leadbitter’s inswinging kick was tipped over when it was destined for the net.

The Owls – who had former Boro striker Jordan Rhodes on the bench - had drawn both of their matches in the league 0-0 since Dutch boss Luhukay was appointed earlier this month. They started like they had not planned for Traore, though.

The flying winger, enjoying himself under Pulis, had already caused a few problems in the early exchanges until he almost created the opener.

He powered past two Wednesday shirts on the right as if they weren’t even there, sent over a teasing cross where Patrick Bamford’s header was turned onto the post by goalkeeper Wildsmith.

Despite plenty of intention Pulis was frustrated quite often after that. Despite the possession, his demands to have the ball moved forward quickly often came up short.

Wednesday, however, still showed purpose themselves and didn’t just turn up to defend, with Boro academy graduate Adam Reach wearing the captain’s armband and looking to make Luhukay’s team tick.

Having failed to make the most of a vibrant start Middlesbrough’s tempo did drop, and that coincided with Traore’s influence waning too.

In fact before the half-time whistle, Wednesday could have been ahead had former Sunderland winger Ross Wallace’s long rang volley found the target – and there were a few boos from supporters wanting to see more.

Boro needed more after the restart; and a lot seemed like it would rest on whether Traore could find that extra edge in the final third with Assombalonga not having any opportunities to feed off.

But the £15m man couldn’t get involved. Bamford was the closest to scoring early in the second half too. He had the space in the area to turn and direct an effort over the bar from ten yards after another dangerous Traore run and cross.

Then Assombalonga suddenly got involved. Firstly he couldn’t turn in time to find the net when Ben Gibson’s downward header from Stewart Downing’s delivery fell invitingly for him.

And then the former Nottingham Forest man directed a header into the hands of Wildsmith from George Friend’s perfect cross, as Middlesbrough’s greater share of possession started to create more chances – even if they were still looking for someone to provide the inspiration.

Middlesbrough’s profligacy could have proven costly too because George Boyd forced Randolph into a strong save to his right after his introduction, which led to the introduction of Gestede, Braithwaite and Adam Clayton from the bench for the final 12 minutes.

Boro did have to deal with a few late nerves and yet could still have won it.

The nearest they came was when Ayala’s downward header at the back post bounced wide and Braithwaite turned an effort into the hands of Wildsmith.

Those were decent chances but the fact they were wasted summed up the latest frustrating outing at the Riverside.