Willo Flood and Jeremie Aliadiere missed out through injury while Leroy Lita was dropped to the bench as Chris Killen started the 200th game of his career.

United made two changes to the side that thrashed Barnsley last Saturday, Mike Williamson missed out after breaking a bone in his hand, while Jose Enrique dropped to the bench amid concerns over a hamstring problem.

In came Fitz Hall and Tamas Kadar, at £900,000 the most expensive defender to come out of Hungary when he was signed to play in the Magpie's Academy.

Boro went on the attack straight away amid one of the best atmospheres of the season at the Riverside.

When McDonald raced on to a long ball and contested possession with Fabricio Coloccini, the Boro striker fell, prompting cries of a penalty, but it was a shoulder-to-shoulder challenge.

United immediately attacked down their left, but David Wheater was strong in the challenge, having been drawn across to cover.

But it was Boro who had made the more impressive start and twice Hall was called on the make blocks to deny Williams then Stephen McManus.

However, with their first attack of any note Newcastle took the lead.

With just over 15 minutes played United played the ball through the middle to Andy Carroll, who held possession until a runner made his move. That runner was Peter Lovenkrands, who scored his first goal away from home this season when stealing in unmarked to the right of centre and threading a low show across and beyond Coyne.

Boro responded well and when Williams was crudely taken out on the edge of the United penalty area Boro won a free-kick in a dangerous position. Gary O'Neil and Barry Robson shaped to take the kick, Robson did so and brought a fine, diving save away to his left from Steve Harper.

An article in today's match programme, Redsquare, pointed out that no current player has played in more derbies than Julio Arca, this being his 21st. The former Sunderland player was enjoying an effective afternoon on the left of midfield, but the equaliser came towards the other side.

With 35 minutes played a very neat interchange between McDonald - who was impressive on his return - and Barry Robson set up the latter on the edge of the Newcastle penalty area just along from the D. A left-footed shot was executed perfectly and Harper was rooted to the spot as the ball flew past him.

A foul from Nolan just closer to the United penalty area than midway inside their half led to another Boro attack as the home side took the free-kick quickly and a low, left-wing cross from Taylor was sliced behind for a corner.

Boro ended the half on the attack, but Wheater was high and wide with a half-volley in injury time.

Seven days ago Boro fans were scratching their heads after probably the worst half of football played by their side this season - this, in direct contrast, was a very good half of football, probably the best seen at the Riverside this season.

Half-time: Middlesbrough 1 Newcastle United 1

A quiet start to the second half saw both sides probe rather than penetrate, although gradually it was Boro who created more.

Robson, complimenting a fine team performance with probably his best display yet in a Boro shirt, was at the heart of most good things.

United were forced into a change just four minutes into the second half as Coloccini, who had a dead leg, was replaced by Ryan Taylor.

One of Coloccini's countrymen almost put Boro into the lead as the clock ticked past the hour, but Harper spread himself well to turn Arca's effort away for a corner.