Boro Knocked Off The Top As Forest Make It 11 Unbeaten

Nottingham Forest    1        Middlesbrough    0

                                  Ward 70

This is not a crisis but Middlesbrough have now lost three of their last four games and their lead at the top of the table has been eroded to the bone.

This is only the second time that Boro have lost back to back games in the Championship under Aitor Karanka since he was appointed as manager back in 2013. The Teessiders have come a long way since then, but this defeat has brought an uneasy feeling with it and the advantage that with was built up over Christmas has now vanished.

Hull are the new Championship leaders after Boro’s defeat at home to Nottingham Forest, though Karanka’s side are still only one point behind them with a game in hand.   

Jamie Ward celebrates the only goal of the game
(Picture from dailymail.co.uk)

Boro also remain five points ahead of Brighton in third place, but it was the manner of this defeat which will leave fans dreading that a second season in the play-offs could still be on the cards.

Forest arrived at the Riverside in good form and are now unbeaten in their last 11 league games, after Jamie Ward’s goal 20 minutes from time. Even so they are still some way off the play-offs and are a side Boro would expect to beat, especially home turf.

The hosts were without centre back Ben Gibson for the second game in a row and lost George Friend mid-way through the first half due to a shoulder injury.

It was no coincidence that their compact defence looked more vulnerable than what it has done over the past month, while upfront they lacked a cutting edge to capitalise on having 64 per cent of possession.

It has been an area in which Boro have looked a little light since the start of the season and on this evidence the offensive additions of Ross McCormack and Matt Phillips, who have been linked with big money transfers, would be worthy additions.

As for Forest this was a significant win as they became only the second team to beat Boro at the Riverside this campaign.

Dougie Freedman’s side are staring to recover after a slow start to season, and this is only the second time that they have recorded back to back wins following a 3-0 victory over Bolton last weekend.

Freedman made one change from that game with Jack Hobbs replacing Nelson Oliveira. Karanka also made just one alteration from the Boro side which suffered a shock defeat to Bristol City, with David Nugent replacing Kike upfront.

The early signs looked promising for the hosts, who almost took the lead after seven minutes when Daniel Ayala headed an in-swinging corner inches wide of the post.

From open play Boro did their best to up the tempo, but they have often lacked the invention to break down their opponents down at the Riverside when teams have setup with organisation and discipline.

Cristhian Stuani has been Boro biggest threat with eight goals in the league. He was once again deployed on the right and came close to opening the scoring when Stewart Downing knocked the ball into his path from Adam Clayton’s path, but the Uruguayan’s shot was blocked from inside the area.

Forest appeared a threat going forward in the opening exchanges without testing Dimi Konstantopulos in the Boro goal.

However after a lively 20 minute spell, the visitors resorted to making themselves difficult to beat as Boro monopolised possession.

Emilio Nsue was getting forward to good effect from right back and on 39 minutes his cross seemed to be heading perfectly onto the head of Stuani who failed to make contact with the ball.

Boro’s backline was then disrupted when Friend was forced to make way and was replaced by Tomas Kalas. That meant a significant reshuffle with the Czech defender slotting in at centre back and Fernando Amorebieta moving to left back.

The Boro manager made another change before the second half when he brought on Adam Forshaw for Downing. The only explanation could have been an injury, as Forshaw was forced to play the unfamiliar role behind the striker.

It was further evidence that Boro are short in the attacking areas of the pitch. A more suitable replacement would have been Diego Fabbrini, but the Italian wasn’t even on the bench and has been linked with a move to Birmingham this transfer window.

Forest were sharp out of the blocks after half time and twice went close to taking the lead. First Ward fizzed a shot into Konstantopulos’ grasp from the edge of the area, before Ben Osborn hit the post from a tight angle inside the box.

Minutes later it was Boro’s turn to hit the woodwork when Leadbitter tried a spectacular free kick, where he flicked the ball up before volleying it onto the crossbar.

Nsue continued to be a constant outlet on the right but should have opened the scoring when he headed Adomah’s cross over the bar from close range.

Minutes later Forest made the decisive breakthrough with a swift counter-attack down the left. Chris Burke led the charge and showed good awareness to cut the ball back to Ward who was roaming in space on the edge of the area. From there he had time to take a touch before curling a shot past Konstantoplos, who was a slow in getting down to it.

Karanka through on Kike for the final few minutes but it was too little too late as Boro slumped to their second defeat in as many weeks.

Player Ratings

Dimi Konstantopulos   6- Made a couple of saves, could have got down quicker to the goal

Emilio Nsue   6.5- Gave an attacking option on the right but missed a glorious opportunity

Daniel Ayala   6- Had to adjust to a changing back four

Fernando Amorebieta   5- Was vulnerable to mistakes after moving to left back

George Friend   5.5- Forced off before half time with a shoulder injury

Adam Clayton   6.5- Kept winning the ball back despite a few loose passes

Grant Leadbitter   6- Tried to urge the team forward, but couldn’t provide an attacking force

Albert Adomah   6- Looked a threat early on but faded in the second half

Cristhian Stuani   5- Was largely ineffective and missed a great change

David Nugent   5- Was anonymous for most of the game

Subs

Tomas Kalas   6- Brought on in defence after Friend’s injury

Adam Forshaw   5.5-Tried to get forward but wasn’t suited to the position behind the striker

Kike – Only came on for the last ten minutes, not enough time to give a fair rating

My Boro Man Of The Match Adam Clayton

Boro's Run Ends After Late Bristol City Goal

Bristol City    1        Middlesbrough    0

                             Burns 90+8

Middlesbrough came within seconds of breaking the record for the most consecutive clean sheets in the second division, but ultimately fell short and suffered a shock defeat to managerless Bristol City.

Wes Burn’s scored the only goal of the game when he headed home an out-swinging from the right in the eighth minute of injury time.   

Bristol City clinch a late winner in stoppage time
(Picture from i.dailymail.co.uk)

The hosts may have been lingering in the relegation zone and low on confidence after the sacking of manager Steve Cotterill, however that didn’t show as they stunned the league leaders who hadn’t lost in the league since November.

A goalless draw would have seen Boro goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopulos keep his 10^th successive clean sheet, yet City were in no mood to hand it to him as they tested Greek shot stopper throughout the afternoon.

Even so it was Boro who carved out the best chance of the first half when Kike was presented with a clear sight of goal but slid Danilel Ayala’s cross wide.

City responded, with Konstantopulos having to parry away efforts from Burn and Aden Flint. At the other end City keeper Richard O'Donnell denied Albert Adomah, but it was the hosts who appeared the most likely to snatch a winner.

They were unfortunate not to score from a corner with minutes remaining which was cleared after a goal mouth scramble. Then from a similar corner position Flint flicked the ball on for Burns head in the winner, meaning City are now only in the relegation zone on goal difference. 

Bristol City v Middlesbrough Preview

Even the prudent and humble Aitor Karanka admitted that the Championship table is looking “amazing” ahead of his sides clash with Bristol City this weekend.

Middlesbrough are five points clear at the top of the division with a game in hand after a phenomenal few weeks, in which they beat promotion rivals Burnley, Brighton and Derby.

Daniel Ayala celebrates his goals against Brentford on Tuesday
(Picture from www.mfc.co.uk)

Perhaps even more impressively they haven’t conceded a goal since the end of November, in a run which stretches back nine league games.

Another shutout against Bristol would see the set a second division record for the most consecutive clean sheets.

When asked about his sides imperious defence, Karanka put it down to the use of video analysis saying that he doesn’t have a lot of time to work with his players on the pitch.    

He also said that he likes the pressure that his squad are under to reach the Premier League, as they are ready to gain promotion this season. Even so there is an uncertainty about this weekend’s encounter.

City may be lingering in the relegation zone, but sacked manager Steve Cotterill yesterday and remain the only side to have beaten Boro at the Riverside this campaign.

Karanka admitted that he is concerned about the contest and is expecting a “much more difficult game” than the slender 1-0 victory at Brentford in mid-week.

Boro faced the Bees four times last season, after meeting twice in the play-offs and Karanka acknowledged that his side knew what to expect from the London based club.

City, on the other hand, were promoted from League One last season and startled Boro when they played an unorthodox 5-3-2 formation at the Riverside, where they came away with a 1-0 victory.

Team News

Boro's Ben Gibson
(Picture from www.mfc.co.uk)

Defender Fernando Amorebieta limped off during Boro’s FA Cup match with Burnley last weekend but played the full 90 minutes against Brentford on Tuesday.

Ben Gibson missed the mid-week game after picking up a knock in training and will be assessed ahead of the match.

City forward Luke Freeman limped off in their defeat to Preston with a dead leg, while goalkeeper Frank Fielding missed the game due to shoulder injury. That meant Richard O'Donnell, on loan from Wigan, made his debut in goal and he could start again this weekend.

The Opposition

Cotterill’s sacking may have seemed harsh considering he got City promoted last campaign, but it was understandable with the Robins sitting two points from safety and without a win in six league games.

They have won just four league games all season and have lost their last three, including a resounding 4-0 defeat to Burnley.

They were unfortunate not to cause an FA Cup upset when they led West Brom by two goals to one away from home, only to concede a 90^th minute equaliser.  

Their last win came on December 12 when they beat Huddersfield away from home; however that is their only win in 11 games.

Bristol City's Jonathan Kodjia
(Picture from www.bcfcpics.co.uk)

One To Watch

Jonathan Kodjia

Kodjia has been City’s shining light this season and is their top scorer with 10 goals this in all competitions, after signing from French side Angers SCO in the summer.

He has pace to run in behind defenders and showed plenty of energy early on when the sides met at the Riverside back in August.

Last Time Out

Middlesbrough 0 Bristol City 1

Full back Joe Bryan scored the only goal of the game after eight minutes, as City escaped from the Riverside with all three points.

City started well and took their chance when Bryan finished a neat passing move on the left hand. The visitors then hung on as Boro failed to make their possession count and struggled to break down City’s 5-3-2 formation.

Team I Would Play

4-2-3-1

GK Dimi Konstantopulos

RB Emilio Nsue

CB Ben Gibson

CB Daniel Ayala

LB George Friend

CM Grant Leadbitter

CM Adam Clayton

LM Albert Adomah

RM Cristhian Stuani

CAM Stewart Downing

ST David Nugent

Middlesbrough Move Clear At The Top After Brentford Victory

Brentford    0        Middlesbrough    1

                                                                                                    Ayala 59

Middlesbrough moved six points clear at the top of the Championship after beating Brentford at Griffin Park.

Daniel Ayala scored the only goal of the game when the Spanish defender capitalised on a mistake from Brentford keeper David Button to convert Grant Leadbitter’s corner.

Daniel Ayala taps in Boro's winner
(Picture from m.thenorthernecho.co.uk/)

The result could have been different if it wasn’t for a flurry of first half saves from Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopulos, who has now kept a club record nine consecutive clean sheets in the league.

Boro’s victory gained more significance, with the news that second place Derby had been held at home to Reading.

It was the first home defeat for Brentford boss Dean Smith since he took charge at the end of November.

The hosts should have taken the lead mid-way through the first half when Ayala, the eventual hero, was dispossessed inside his own half by Lasse Vibe.

That allowed the Brentford forward to go through one-on-one with the keeper, but he was thwarted by Konstantopulos who spread himself well.

At the other end Button was called into action when David Nugent chested the ball into the path of Cristhian Stuani who fired straight at the keeper.

Even so Konstantopuols continued to be the busier of the two number ones, saving Alan Judge’s volley at his near post before tipping Sam Saunders' dipping free kick over the bar.

The winning goal came after 59 minutes when Button’s punch from a corner spun back towards goal, allowing Ayala to convert from close range. 

Brentford v Middlesbrough Preview

It’s a case of getting back down to business for Aitor Karanka and his Middlesbrough team, who take on Brentford in tonight’s Championship game.

Boro may have been knocked out of the FA Cup after losing at home to Burnley on Saturday. But there is no question that the league is their priority this season, with Karanka’s side sitting four points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.

The Boro boss did express his disappointment after being eliminated from the competition, in which Boro unforgettably beat Manchester City last campaign.

“I was disappointed because our performance especially in the first half was really good but to lose concentration in specific moments was really bad for us and we paid for that by losing the game”

Losing concentration hasn’t been a regular problem for Boro this season and they still haven’t conceded a goal in their last eight league games- that’s over 700 minutes of football.

Last season Boro did a memorable quartet over Brentford, winning twice in the league as well as both legs of their play-off semi-final.

Even so both of Boro’s victories at Griffin Park were by a single goal, the last of which came when Fernando Amorebieta scored a stoppage time winner in a 2-1 win.

Expecting another tough game this time around, Karanka made reference to the tight pitch saying it is not “as big as we would like to play”

He also confirmed that the club were working to replace players in the January transfer window following the departures of Bruno Zuculini and Jack Stephens who returned to their parent clubs after loan spells.

“We need one more midfielder and one more defender” said Karanka but he couldn’t confirm that the club were close to signing anyone soon.

Team News

Boro's Fernando Amorebieta
(Picture from www3.pictures.zimbio.com)

Karanka said he would make a late decision on whether to include Fernando Amorebieta after the defender limped off during the cup game at the weekend. Apart from that Boro have no new injury concerns and will be expected to recall a number of players who were rested on Saturday.

Brentford midfielder Jota is a doubt due to a calf injury while defender Andreas Bjelland and striker Scott Hogan are both out with long-term knee injuries.  Josh McEachran was on loan at Boro in 2013, but has since signed for the Bees and could play against his former club.

The Opposition

December was a decent month for Brentford after appointing new manager Dean Smith at the end of November. The Bees have overcome their early season wobble and now find themselves in a comfortable mid-table position, five points outside the play-offs.

However there have been signs of a New Year hangover. After losing to Birmingham in the league, they were them dumped out of the cup by League One Walsall, who Smith used to manage. Even so the Birmingham defeat was only their second in 10 games and The Bees are still yet to lose on home turf with Smith in charge.

Brentford's Alan Judge
(Picture from www.3.pictures.zimbio.com)

One To Watch

Alan Judge

There have been a couple of rumours in recent weeks linking the 27-year-old midfielder with a move to Middlesbrough, and it’s easy to see why. Judge has added goals to his game this season and is currently the Bees’ top scorer with 10 in the league.

In recent weeks Judge has been deployed in the ‘number 10 position’ behind the striker, often Lasse Vibe who scored against Boro when the sides met at the Riverside earlier in the campaign. Judge will most likely come up against Boro’s midfield enforcer Adam Clayton in what could be a key battle.

Last Time Out

Middlesbrough 3 Brentford 1

Boro moved up to second in the table after beating the Bees at the Riverside in September. Cristhian Stuani put the hosts ahead on 34 minutes, before Lasse Vibe capitalised on a mistake from Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopulos to equalise after half-time. Stuani then put Boro back ahead with just over 20 minutes to go before Albert Adomah completed the scoring.

Team I Would Play 

4-2-3-1
GK Dimi Konstantopulos
RB Emilio Nsue
CB Daniel Ayala
CB Ben Gicson
LB George Friend
CM Adam Clayton
CM Grant Leadbitter
LW Albert Adomah
RW Cristhian Stuani
CAM Stewart Downing
ST David Nugent

Middlesbrough Knocked Out Of The Cup After Burnley Defeat

Middlesbrough    1        Burnley    2

                Fabbrini  34                                     Hennings 45 Ward 71

Middlesbrough fans could have been forgiven for not wanting their side to equalise in the dying minutes of their FA Cup tie with Burnley, as they crashed out at the third round stage.

Stephen Ward fires in the winner
(Picture from BBC Sport)

In the last 10 years only two sides which have gone up automatically from the Championship have made it past the fourth round of the competition. A late goal here would have only resulted in a dreaded Tuesday night replay to complicate Boro’s promising league campaign, which has seen them bridge a four point gap at the top of the table.

Aitor Karnaka had vowed to take the competition seriously, which he reinforced by naming a strong side including Daniel Ayala, George Friend and Adam Clayton among others.

All appeared to be going well for the hosts when Diego Fabbrini put them ahead after 34 minutes, only for Rouwen Hennings to draw Burnley level on the stroke of half time before Stephen Ward scored the winner 19 minutes from the end.

For Sean Dyche’s side this was sweet revenge for the 1-0 defeat they suffered here in the league just under a month ago. Like Boro they are also involved in a promotion tussle which could be deemed more important, try telling that to the 1,275 travelling fans who were ecstatic when the final whistle sounded.

The visitors also named a strong-looking side, though the Championship’s top scorer Andre Gray didn’t even make the bench.

Karanka used the opportunity to give game time to the likes of Adam Forshaw, Tomas Kalas and Carlos De Pena, who have been on the fringes of the squad over the past few weeks.

On the whole they created the better chances, and with more conviction could have been out of sight after half an hour.  

Forshaw, who is yet to register a goal for Boro after nearly a year at the club, went close after 17 minutes with a long range drive which swerved over the cross bar. Minutes later De Pena, who linked up well with Friend in the early exchanges, tried his luck but his low shot was comfortable for Tom Heaton to save.

The visitors also threatened, with Boro defender Fernando Amorebieta having to make a number of towering headers to keep them at bay.

Boro were nearly caught out when their regular cup keeper Tomas Mejias took too much time on the ball and was closed down by Hennings who almost forced a mistake.

At the other end Heaton continued to keep Burnley in the game, denying David Nugent when the striker was sent through on goal just before the half hour mark. Adomah then had a shot blocked before the hosts finally moved ahead.

It came after another flurry of saves from Heaton, who kept out efforts from Nugent and Friend before Fabbrini eventually bundled the ball home.

From there the game was set for Karanka’s side to take the initiative, but instead they took their foot off the pedal and paid the ultimate price.

Boro hadn’t conceded a goal in their last eight games in the league, but were caught off guard minutes before the interval. Sam Vokes’ low cross from the right curled into the path of Hennings, who had slipped into the box undetected, before he poked the ball past Mejias who had been left stranded on his line.

The visitors returned after half time with a spring in their step but rarely tested Mejias, who was a spectator for most of the game.

Heaton, on the other hand, remained busy saving efforts from Fabbrini and Adomah, who were creating Boro’s best openings.

Karanka was forced to shuffle his pack ten minutes into the second half when Amorebieta hobbled off and was replaced by Emilio Nsue who slotted in at right back meaning Tomas Kalas moved to centre half.

Forshaw then missed a glorious chance when he headed wide from close range. Burnley’s winner came from a corner which Boro failed to clear before the ball cannoned around the area and Ward lashed it home from close range.

With little time remaining Karanka brought on Kike and Cristhian Stuani to try and save the game. A replay wouldn’t have been ideal, but Boro fans won’t have to worry about that now as Burnley hung on to progress to round four.

Player Ratings

Tomas Mejias   5.5- Looked hesitant coming for crosses

Tomas Kalas   6- Moved across the back due to Amorebieta’s injury

Fernando Amorebieta   6.5- Was imposing at the back before coming off

Daniel Ayala   6- Tried to bring the ball out of defence but lacked options in front of him

George Friend   6.5- Worked hard up and down the left

Adam Clayton   6- Tried to drive the team forward from midfield

Adam Forshaw   6- Was unable to create anything clear cut

Carlos De Pena   6- Faded as the game went on

Albert Adomah   6.5- Got into some decent attacking positions

Diego Fabbrini   7- Looked the most likely to create something

David Nugent   5.5- Missed some decent chances

Subs

Emilio Nsue   6- Replaced Amorebieta after 54 minutes

Kike – Came on for the last 14 minutes, not enough time to give a fair rating

Cristhian Stuani - Came on for the last 14 minutes, not enough time to give a fair rating

My Boro Man Of The Match : Diego Fabbrini

Middlesbrough v Burnley Preview - FA Cup

Fresh off the back of winning December’s Championship manager of the month, Aitor Karanka will face a different challenge this weekend in the shape of third round FA Cup tie with Burnley at the Riverside.

The Emirates FA Cup
(Picture from (www.thefa.com)

Despite Boro’s strong position at the top of the table, Karanka ensured that he would always try to put his best 11 players out on the pitch after some “really good memories in the competition last season”.

Boro face Brentford away from home in the league on Tuesday night and it would be understandable if Karanka decided to rest players after a busy Christmas period.

However after admitting that the cup was a bit of a problem last campaign, the Spaniard went on to say that squad is bigger and stronger than the one which reached the fifth round last term.

Even so that won’t stop Boro building on a squad which, over the festive period, has moved four points clear at the top of the Championship with a game in hand over the chasing pack.

“We need to bring players in but we don’t need to change a lot of things” said Karanka after losing midfielder Bruno Zuculini and defender Jack Stephens, who have returned to Manchester City and Southampton respectively following frustrating loan spells and limited first team action.

Team News

Boro have no new injury concerns but won’t be able to call upon the services of Mustapha Carayol or James Husband who secured loan deals to Leeds and Huddersfield respectively until the end of the season. Boro have also reportedly agreed to sell Yanic Wildschut to Wigan for a fee believed to be around £1 million.

Burnley are likely to be without midfielder Dean Marney due to a calf injury, while centre back Michael Duff is also doubtful with a thigh problem. Ashley Barnes and ex-Boro striker Lukas Jutkiewicz both remain out with long term injuries.

The Opposition 

After a promising start to the campaign, Sean Dyche’s side have lacked consistency over the past two months. They have slipped 10 points adrift of Boro at the top of the table, having also played a game more.

They still have some immense firepower upfront, as they demonstrated in recent 4-0 victories over Charlton and Bristol City, which could help them re-join the race for an automatic promotion place.
However against their fellow promotion rival they have come up short, losing 1-0 at the Riverside on December 15 before a resounding 3-0 defeat at Hull on Boxing Day.

Those setbacks along with some costly draws has left the Clarets looking over their shoulder at teams on the cusp of the play-offs rather than up at the sides battling for the top two.

Even so Karanka remained wary ahead of the cup showdown, while stating that the recent encounter between the two sides wouldn’t have any effect on this meeting.

One To Watch 

Burnley's Andre Gray
(Picture from www.burnleyexpress.net/)

Andre Gray 
It is unclear how many changes the two managers will make for this game, with both teams set to play league games on Tuesday night.  One thing that is clear for Sean Dyche’s side is the importance of Andre Gray who is the Championship’s top scorer with 15 league goals.

Gray was kept quiet when the side met in the league less than a month ago, as Daniel Ayala and Ben Gibson paid close attention to the 24-year-old forward. Even so other Championship defences have been considerably less successful.

Team I would Play
(Picture from www.gazettelive.co.uk)

Boro Leave It Late To Beat The Rams

Middlesbrough    2        Derby    0

                                  Adomah 83 Friend 84

Middlesbrough stole a march on the rest of the Championship, after two late goals helped them see off promotion rivals Derby in dramatic fashion at the Riverside.

Albert Adomah celebrates the opening goal
(Picture from i.dailymail.co.uk)

The game, which had been billed as the Championship’s match of the day between the top two sides, was decided in two second half minutes as Boro took control of- not only the contest- but the Championship promotion race itself.

Just seven minutes remained of this top of the table clash when Boro winger Albert Adomah was sent through on goal and produced a delicate chip to beat Derby keeper Lee Grant.

Within the space of sixty seconds it was two, when George Friend recorded a rare goal when he converted David Nugent’s cut back, after the striker had refused to give up on a seemingly lost cause.  

It’s a result which opens up a four point gap between Boro and the Rams at the top of the division. In doing so the Teessiders kept a club record ninth successive clean sheet at home and haven’t conceded a goal for over 702 minutes of football.

"It was an amazing game, it's important for us to win. We're the best team now because we're top, but it doesn't mean anything in January with another 22 games to go,” Said Boro boss Aitor Karanka after the game.

"The emotions are difficult to explain because there was a lot of pressure on us. We're proud of the defensive records we're setting. It's proving hard to create chances against us."

For 83 minutes this was a battle of attrition and patience, as the league’s sternest defences stood firm and strong.

The hosts edged a closely contested first half, in which Derby lost midfielder George Thorne to injury and keeper Lee Grant was called into action on a couple of occasions.

With 15 minutes to go Derby manager Paul Clement made a bold decision to withdraw ex-Boro midfielder Jacob Butterfield to bring on another striker in Andreas Weimann. In the end it was a move which came back to bite him.

"Middlesbrough played very well with good intensity but we weren't at that level for the start, only in spells” said Clement after the match.

"We didn't play as well as we can but Middlesbrough deserved to win. I'm holding my hands up for making an attacking change."

One can only wonder how much attacking fire power it will take to breach the Boro defence at the moment.  Daniel Ayala and Ben Gibson can now add Chris Martin to the list of top Championship strikers who they have stopped this season.

In front of them Grant Leadbitter and Adam Clayton out-hustled a three man Derby midfield, while George Friend relentlessly charged up and down the left channel as if his life depended on it.

The visitors did create chances and looked dangerous from set pieces but still only managed two shots on target all afternoon.   

Boro were the first to threaten when Cristhian Stuani headed over Emilio Nsue’s cross with eight minutes gone. Karanka named an unchanged side from the one which beat Sheffield Wednesday last time out, meaning Kike kept his place upfront. The Spaniard should have opened the scoring when he was sent through on goal but Grant saved his tame effort.

Boro’s early pressure continued when Nsue arrived unmarked at the back post but headed Adomah’s cross from the left wide of the target.

Derby improved as the half went on and in the closing stages before the interval the visitors looked more likely to break the deadlock. Martin headed a right wing cross wide, before Johnny Russell escaped down the left and forced Dimi Konstantopulos to make a low save with his feet from a tight angle.    

Thone’s injury after 21 minutes meant Jeff Hendrick took his place in the middle of the park. After the break Karanka summoned David Nugent back into the side after the striker had missed the previous three games due to a suspension.

With 20 minutes to go Downing curled an effort from the edge of the area inches wide, but it wasn’t until the final seven minutes when the game really burst into life.

With the visitors retreating, Leadbitter- who had fashioned a tidy display in midfield- played a neat one-two with Nugent on the edge of the box before releasing Adomah, who came alive to finish coolly.

Derby were suddenly caught with their defences down and were caught out on the break, as Friend was rewarded with his first goal for over a year after a spirited performance.

Player Ratings

Dimi Konstantopulos   6- Had to make a few saves but was protected well again

George Friend   8- Scored first goal for over a year after a spirited display

Daniel Ayala   8.5- Read everything that came his way

Ben Gibson   8-Contiuned strong partnership with Ayala

Emilio Nsue   7- Was always available on the right side

Grant Leadbitter   8- Kept the ball well and set up the opener

Adam Clayton   7.5- Injury doubt before the game but couldn’t tell

Albert Adomah   7- Came alive to come up with the winner

Stewart Downing   6.5- Still feels like there is more to come from him

Cristhian Stuani   6- Drifted in and up of the game

Kike   6- Worked hard upfront but missed a great chance

Subs

David Nugent   7- Added energy upfront and played a part in both goals

My Boro Man Of The Match: Daniel Ayala