IT WAS as if Martin O’Neill’s team had deliberated, and come close to quietly switching off their hosts’ life-support machine, but had granted them one final chance. They had the opportunity to end it all during what the Ulsterman described as a “storming” second half by Villa. Maybe it would have been a kindness if they had. The vital signs show that Boro are clinging on to life, yet so barely that there are virtually no vital signs

They have been flat-lining since the turn of the year, with only that curious triumph over Liverpool. They don’t score enough, and draw too many at home. Here it was more of the same, despite a delightful piece of improvisation early on from Tuncay, the man whose performance here explained why he had fully merited the club’s Player of the Year award, presented beforehand. It was not that their heart failed them yesterday. Nor their brain. Nor their legs. They possess quality.

But the strikers haven’t hit their target nearly frequently enough, and the midfielders haven’t made their goalscoring contribution, either.

It doesn’t require Pythagoras to remind Gareth Southgate that his men have to overcome West Ham next Sunday at Upton Park. They also have to depend on Sir Alex Ferguson’s Select Eleven overwhelming Hull City by possibly four goals.

Implausible, even if Manchester United didn’t send a side out with Rome on their collective minds. And, if Newcastle claim a point at Villa Park, then it’s all over for Boro, regardless.

Three years ago, Southgate, as captain, led Boro to a Uefa Cup final against Seville. They lost 4-0, but it all boded so well when he succeeded Steve McClaren, who had been offered the England job, principally on the basis of that progress here. Now, Southgate, just a few days off celebrating his third anniversary as manager, strode off after the final whistle, in the knowledge that next season is likely to include trips to Barnsley, and Scunthorpe or Millwall. And, while he will have been heartened by the words of his counterpart, O’Neill, who believes Southgate “is full of integrity, will learn from the experience, and is an excellent manager in the making”, he will recognise that a sizeable number of Boro supporters don’t concur.

Beforehand there had been an end-of-term feel. Tuncay, leading scorer by the final whistle, with eight — a fact which in part explains Boro’s malaise — was presented with his award. Local schoolchildren paraded with homemade banners, exhorting their team to one final home effort. Their elders looked resigned to their fate. By the end, as prone Middlesbrough players had risen to applaud the supporters, there was a strange response; approval of their men’s industry, yet condemnation of how the club’s fortunes had been allowed to decline.

In many ways, Boro have constructed a template for other clubs who have similar designs on this club’s overachievement: a bright young manager, the unofficial chairman of the decade in Steve Gibson, who gives the incumbent constant comfort, and an academy production line churning out youngsters. It’s all been there, except the results. There will be a fond belief that there will be a Boro Bounce, with an immediate return. But things are rarely that neat, as Leeds would attest. The best players, such as Tuncay, are likely to move on.

By the interval, Boro had been deprived of Stewart Downing, who will be another to depart, through injury, and had to reorganise with the inclusion of substitute Marlon King. But they had gained the lead. Julio Arca found Downing, who had driven fiercely into the area. The ball rebounded off James Milner and Tuncay seized the opportunity to send the ball past Brad Friedel with a bicycle kick. Justin Hoyte was close to extending the lead when his deflected drive forced Friedel into a fine save.

Villa had not been convincing in that first half. Gabriel Agbonlahor scampered clear but was denied by goalkeeper Brad Jones. It was not until 10 minutes after the break that careless defending let Villa equalise. Jones flapped at Stiliyan Petrov’s teasing cross, which was followed by a poor clearance by King, and John Carew was allowed to turn and steer the ball into the far corner. But with Boro’s desperation, their defensive vulnerability increased. Ashley Young looked likely to add to that when David Wheater misjudged a flighted ball forward, but Jones came to the rescue and he then thwarted Agbonlahor. Amidst the Villa chances, Tuncay went close twice.

With Everton winning, Villa, once in a Champions League qualification place, may now have to be satisfied with sixth, the same position as last season. What would Boro do to be troubled by such concerns?

Star man:Tuncay (Middlesbrough)

MIDDLESBROUGH: Jones, Bates, Wheater, Huth, Hoyte, Johnson, O’Neil (Walker 72min), Arca, Downing (King 23min), Tuncay, Emnes.

ASTON VILLA: Friedel, Milner, Cuellar, Davies, Shorey, Barry, Petrov, A Young (Reo-Coker 70min), Heskey, Carew, Agbonlahor.

Yellow cards: Barry, Milner (VIlla).

Referee: M Riley

Attendance: 27,261