Adam Armstrong’s low-drilled goal was not enough for Southampton as a late Emmanuel Latte header was enough to secure a point for Middlesbrough.
Armstrong’s goal for Saints after just twelve minutes was gifted to him following Boro captain, Howson skewing an effort to clear his lines which found the waiting striker who drilled the ball into the bottom corner.
With just a minute to go, it seemed destined for the hosts to bring the match home, but a late headed effort from Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte on the end of Alex Gilbert’s cross was enough to rescue a point for Michael Carrick’s side.
The home side spurned chances with far too much regularity and consequently missed the chance to capitalise on Leicester City dropping points in the early kick off.
The visitors had their best opportunity of the first half in the 27th minute when Finn Azaz hit the inside of the post following a mistake from Che Adams which gifted him the ball in front of goal.
Kyle Walker-Peters, who was only recently passed fit, made frequent breaks down the line, teeing up Armstrong with a chance to double his tally straight after the opener but his effort slid just over the bar.
Five minutes after the interval, Latte found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper but a tame effort was gratefully parried away by the waiting Gavin Bazunu.
Southampton had a goal disallowed in the 52nd minute with Adams steering a rebounded shot from Kameldeen Sulemana’s low effort into the empty net but it was deemed offside.
Saints should have secured victory immediately after with Adam’s misery continuing with a weak effort straight at Seny Dieng and then sending the ball wide from just a yard out.
Dieng, helped by his defensive line, pulled off a series of saves and blocks to deny the hosts what seemed an inevitable goal, Latte then broke but was hounded down by a resolute Jack Stephens whose challenge prevented the striker a chance to level the scoring in the 72nd minute.
The Southampton fans rose for a minutes applause in the 77th minute in tribute to their player Chris Nicholl who has recently passed away. Nicholl appeared 228 times for the club.
Sulemena, who is yet to score for the Saints this season, was preferred over back-fit, Ryan Fraser, but was often isolated, blazing his solo opportunity over the goal just before half-time.
Saints who were relegated from the Premier League last season seem to have all but secured a place in the top six but now need a good string of results to continue their chase of fellow relegation rivals Leeds and Leicester from the top flight a year ago.
