Late Jones goal rescues point for Sunderland

MIDDLESBROUGH // A late goal from Kenwyne Jones ensured that Ricky Sbragia's promising start as Sunderland manager continued against Middlesbrough. Jones equalised Alfonso Alves's opener for Boro as the local rivals shared the points. Stewart Downing had earlier underlined his importance to Middlesbrough. The winger had a transfer request rejected this week as he tried to engineer a move to Tottenham, but he looked fully committed to the Boro cause yesterday. On the stroke of half-time Alves latched onto his pass from to fire home into the top right corner of the goal. But with eight minutes left, David Healy, who had only just come on the pitch as a substitute, crossed for Jones to head home and save a point.