For the second successive match Newcastle kept a clean sheet to raise hopes of pulling away from the relegation zone.
Kinnear has been put in charge until the end of the season and this decision could have a stabilising effect after months of uncertainty.
Newcastle, in fact, have invariably done well on this ground with only two defeats in Premier League clashes.
Middlesbrough suffered a pre-match blow when midfield player Gary O'Neil was ruled out with a training ground injury.
After a seven-month injury nightmare former Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka was named among Newcastle's substitutes.
Boro launched the first serious attack with England winger Stewart Downing not far off target with a strong shot.
Turkish international Tuncay was a livewire as the home side had more of the attacking play in the opening stages.
Obafemi Martins looked dangerous for Newcastle, but he was dispossessed by a brilliant tackle by David Wheater as he threatened.
Shortly after Martins beat his marker and struck the crossbar with Ross Turnbull beaten. It was a slice of luck for Middlesbrough.
Middlesbrough striker Martins Afonso Alves headed over the bar from a good chance and was injured in the process, before Nicky Butt landed a free-kick on the roof of the net.
Alves had been ineffective in the Boro attack and it was surprising that manager Gareth Southgate did not introduce fit again Mido immediately after the break.
Danny Guthrie flashed a shot just wide of the post for Newcastle, but with the game crying out for a goal neither goalkeeper was seriously tested.
The visitors introduced Viduka after 65 minutes, with a clearly unhappy Martins withdrawn. Kinnear could easily have taken off skipper Michael Owen for he was completely anonymous in the Newcastle attack.
Alves cut in from the left and unleashed a strong shot over the bar, before Shay Given saved at the near post from Justin Hoyte.
Middlesbrough fans called for the introduction of Mido and they got their wish in the 77th minute. Southgate, however, withdrew Jeremie Aliadiere.
However, Mido had few opportunities to try and snatch a late win, in what was overall a sporting game with only two bookings.