Veteran opener Kim Barnett carried his bat for a magnificent 182 not out to help Gloucestershire post 388 in the first innings of their Frizzell County Championship Division Two game with Middlesex at Southgate.
However, Middlesex openers Andrew Strauss and Sven Koenig put on an unbeaten 98 for the opening partnership in reply to leave the game very much in the balance.
Gloucestershire resumed on 270-4 with Barnett 119 not out and Jack Russell unbeaten on nine.
The veteran pair successfully guided the visitors past 300 before Ben Hutton took a smart catch at backward point off Ian Jones to send the wicketkeeper packing for 22.
An early flurry of wickets, including Jon Lewis first ball, swung the game MIddlesex's way but Barnett remained defiant and Mike Smith hung around for 42 balls for his 14, to help bolster the Gloucestershire total.
Middlesex's openers made sure, though, that they were in a strong position to reply.
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