Middlesbrough scored in stoppage time of the first half to go into the break all square with Bolton Wanderers after both sides found the net from the penalty spot at the Reebok.
The visitors began the match brightly and had a number of efforts on goal inside the first 10 minutes, with Kike and Lee Tomlin both threatening.
Bolton soon responded, however, and came close themselves through Lee Chung-Yong as he cut inside and curled an effort past the post.
The hosts were handed the perfect chance to break the deadlock in the 25th minute as Craig Davies was hauled down by Sebastian Hines inside the box, and the striker got up to slam the penalty home himself.
Boro were handed a spot kick of their own right on the stroke of half time, however, and Grant Leadbitter made no mistake from 12 yards to ensure that the sides went in at 1-1.
