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West Ham and Middlesbrough had to settle for a share of the points following a thoroughly entertaining 1-1 draw at the Riverside.

West Ham, coming into the game on the back of four successive defeats, completely dominated the opening period and really should have gone in at the break more than a goal to the good.

Hayden Mullins, making his 150th league start for the Hammers, rifled the visitors into the lead half way through that first half; but, in truth, it could have been avoided had either Stuart Downing or David Wheater taken the opportunity to clear their lines.

They didn't, and Bellamy pounced to feed Freddie Sears, who in turn threaded a ball to Luis Boa Morte, the Portuguese international remained composed and out foxed Aliadiere to lay in Mullins. The midfielder swung wildly first time, scuffed his shot but the ball fell kindly, he swivelled and let fly with a thunderous half-volley that left Ross Turnbull with little chance.

The introduction of Justin Hoyte at half time seemed to reinvigorate the home side, and having created a few decent openings for his team mates, the former Arsenal man thought he had drawn his side level with a diving header 78 minutes in, but his celebrations were soon cut short by the assistant referee's flag.

North East despair soon turned to joy though, as recently introduced Mido drilled through a non-existent West Ham wall - having won a foul from James Collins on the edge of the area.

Having started the brightest, West Ham deserved their lead. Sears had two early sights of goal, the first saw Chris Riggott slide in to deny a tap-in following Julien Faubert's low cross. Next, the youngster collected the ball 40 yards out, beat much of a shapeless defence only to drag wide. And with that, the tone was set for much of the first half.

Moments after taking the lead and the visitors were almost two goals to the good. Having been scythed down by Chris Riggott, Bellamy picked himself up to square the free-kick to centre-back James Collins to strike just past the near post.

Middlesbrough weren't playing badly but lacked the cutting edge of the Londoners. After a period of 'Boro possession, the Hammers broke and Mullins almost doubled the lead, this time though his curling effort fell the wrong side of the post.

As the half drew to a close Middlesbrough finished the stronger. Alves introducing Green to the game with a tame stabbed effort, before Aliadiere's slightest sight of goal was snuffed out by a combination of James Collins and Matthew Upson.

As Jack Collison broke through to have the first chance of the second half, it looked as though the visitors would continue to dominate - Ross Turnbull making a fine point blank save. But the tide soon turned.

Middlesbrough really went for it and had a flurry of chances. Aliadiere saw an effort blocked, while O'Neill stung the palms of Green, and Mido volleyed wide via a deflection - each effort more menacing than the last.

So, it was of little surprise when Mido deservedly drew his side level.

With a mere few minutes left both sides went all out for the victory. Middlesbrough could have won it through Mido, who upon receiving the ball from Downing tried to sneak an effort inside Rob Green's near post; but it was West Ham, in the last minute, who should have won it, Bellamy and Bowyer denied by a brilliant double save from Ross Turnbull.

Both sides will believe they deserved the victory following a game that swung this way and that, but, in truth, a draw was a fair reflection of a highly entertaining game.

Marcus Foley / Eurosport