One that will have impressed was Andrew Taylor who managed 90 minutes after returning from ankle ligament damage he suffered in the 3-1 win over Ipswich on September 12.
The visit to Crystal Palace could come a little too early for the left-back, but with Emanuel Pogatetz out until Christmas with a broken cheekbone, Taylor could be an option for the new Boro boss.
Chris Riggott managed 70 minutes following ankle surgery and is on course to play in next week’s reserve team clash with Lincoln City.
Martin Scott fielded seven first team players in the starting XI, including Tony McMahon, Joe Bennett and Jonathan Grounds.
Nathan Porritt gave Boro a 34th minute lead with a long range effort but Kazenga Lua Lua equalised before the interval.
BORO: Coyne, McMahon, Riggott (Corker 70), Grounds (Saiko 46), Bennett, Porritt, Smallwood, Walker, Taylor, Franks, Martin.