The first half was played at a high tempo, with both teams working hard to gain control but struggling to create clear openings.
Middlesbrough produced the first significant chance when Maxwell’s corner found Holmes, whose effort was cleared by Grimmond. Lightning then moved forward through Langford’s pass to Collyer, forcing a save from Borthwick, before Greenwood fired just over the bar from a Coutts delivery.
Both sides continued to exchange opportunities. Boro saw efforts from Robson go off target, while Lightning came close when Collyer struck the crossbar. Strong defending from both teams kept the score level at the break.
After halftime, Lightning began to create more pressure, with attempts from Hewitt, Hogg, Greenwood, and Jacobs all testing the Middlesbrough defence.
A free kick from Greenwood narrowly missed Collyer at the far post. Middlesbrough’s attacks were limited but well controlled by Grimmond when required.
Late in the game, Delglyn was introduced for Lightning and saw a well-placed header saved by Borthwick. Additional chances fell to Collyer and Hewitt in stoppage time, but neither team was able to find a breakthrough.
The match ended goalless, with both sides showing solid defensive organisation and moments of attacking threat. Lightning now turn their attention to next week’s fixture against West Brom.