Derby County secured a deserved first win in four games to move to within three points of the Championship play-off places and damage Middlesbrough's automatic promotion hopes.

The Rams dominated early on and Michael Jacobs' close-range shot made it 1-0.

Fellow midfielder Jeff Hendrick added a second before the break, firing the ball into the corner from 20 yards.

Conor Sammon tapped home a third and Derby eased to victory, although Lukas Jutkiewicz did net for Boro late on.

New Year Derby joy

The Rams have now won their last three New Year fixtures. Last season they beat Hull 1-0, and in 2010/11 they defeated Preston 2-1.

Boro arrived at Pride Park full of confidence having won four of their last five league games but ended up being well beaten by a Derby side who could easily have won by more and have now won five from seven at home.

Jacobs already had a goalbound effort blocked by Jonathan Woodgate, and was then narrowly off target with a 20-yard shot, before he put the hosts ahead after 19 minutes.

Ben Davies was the creator, finding Jacobs just inside the box and the 21-year-old coolly stroked a right-foot shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Hendrick then went close to making it 2-0 with a decent strike that went just wide, but he did double the lead with a fantastic strike from the edge of the box.

It was almost 3-0 by half-time when a Davies free-kick crashed back off the bar and the chances kept coming after the break.

Boro keeper Jason Steele was forced to make a point-blank save from Sammon and also denied the Rams striker when he was clean through.

But the third goal finally arrived after 65 minutes when some neat footwork from Will Hughes eventually saw Sammon tap the ball home after a Jacobs shot had been saved by Steele.

Boro offered little in attack but home goalkeeper Adam Legzdins did well to push away a fierce strike from substitute Ishmael Miller.

And they did get on the scoresheet in stoppage time when Miller teed up Jutkiewicz for a simple finish.

Derby manager Nigel Clough said: "We've played as well as this in games this season but considering the team we had out and the opposition, this is certainly up there. It's a remarkable result and a very good performance.

"It was a big ask physically today but we couldn't have asked any more from the players."

Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray: "It's disappointing to lose any game but you have to give Derby credit.

"They are a team full of energy and some very good players. We never got to the races at any stage of the game today.

"We've done okay so far this season but for whatever reason, we didn't get going at all today. But we will get stronger as the season goes on and players are back from injury."

Lineup, Bookings (4) & Substitutions (5)

Derby County

  • 13 Legzdins
  • 02 Brayford Booked
  • 06 Keogh
  • 15 O'Brien
  • 23 Freeman
  • 07 Coutts
  • 08 Hendrick
  • 18 Davies
  • 19 Hughes
  • 12 Jacobs (Tyson - 77' )
  • 32 Sammon (Hoganson - 87' )

Substitutes

  • 01 Fielding
  • 16 O'Connor
  • 21 Gjokaj
  • 22 Hoganson
  • 09 Tyson
  • 11 Robinson
  • 14 Doyle

Middlesbrough

  • 01 Steele
  • 14 Williams
  • 18 Halliday
  • 21 Parnaby Booked
  • 39 Woodgate (Thomson - 37' )
  • 07 Leadbitter Booked (Miller - 66' )
  • 10 Bailey
  • 33 Smallwood
  • 17 Jutkiewicz Booked
  • 25 Reach
  • 27 McDonald (Williams - 46' )

Substitutes

  • 32 Leutwiler
  • 35 Burgess
  • 37 Weldon
  • 05 Zemmama
  • 08 Thomson
  • 22 Williams
  • 30 Miller
Ref: Whitestone
Att: 22,523

Match Stats

Shots

17 7

On target

8 5

Corners

7 3

Fouls

15 18

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +3:18 Full time

Full Time The referee blows his whistle to end the game.

90:00 +3:07

Lukas Jutkiewicz crosses the ball, clearance made by Mark O'Brien.

90:00 +2:52

Adam Reach sends in a cross, Richard Keogh manages to make a clearance.

90:00 +2:39

Shot from just outside the penalty box by Nathan Tyson misses to the left of the target.

90:00 +1:36

Assist on the goal came from Ishmael Miller.

90:00 +1:36 Goal scored

Goal - Lukas Jutkiewicz - Derby 3 - 1 Middlesbro Lukas Jutkiewicz gets on the score sheet with a goal from close range low into the middle of the goal. Derby 3-1 Middlesbrough.

90:00 +0:58

Nathan Tyson is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Jason Steele takes the direct free kick.

89:37

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Ben Davies by Luke Williams. Paul Coutts takes the free kick.

87:58

Stuart Parnaby concedes a free kick for a foul on Kieron Freeman. Adam Legzdins takes the free kick.

87:30

Paul Coutts produces a left-footed shot from just outside the penalty box that goes wide left of the target.

86:21 Substitution

Substitution Conor Sammon leaves the field to be replaced by Michael Hoganson.

85:57

Corner taken by Adam Reach from the left by-line to the near post, Richard Keogh manages to make a clearance.

85:42

The ball is swung over by Stuart Parnaby, clearance made by Ben Davies.

84:38

Adam Reach crosses the ball, Richard Keogh manages to make a clearance. Unfair challenge on Rhys Williams by Conor Sammon results in a free kick. Andrew Halliday takes the free kick.

84:16

The ball is sent over by Adam Reach, clearance by Mark O'Brien.

83:23

Richard Smallwood sends in a cross, Lukas Jutkiewicz takes a shot. Save by Adam Legzdins.

80:45

The ball is delivered by Ben Davies, clearance made by Nicky Bailey. Paul Coutts produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that goes wide right of the target.

80:14

Paul Coutts takes a shot. Clearance made by Rhys Williams. Ben Davies decides to take the corner short.

79:44

Paul Coutts takes the direct free kick.

79:44 Booking

Booking Booking for Lukas Jutkiewicz for unsporting behaviour.

79:19

Nathan Tyson produces a cross, clearance by Rhys Williams. Lukas Jutkiewicz gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Will Hughes.

77:30

Free kick awarded for a foul by Luke Williams on Ben Davies. Adam Legzdins takes the free kick.

76:51 Substitution

Substitution Nathan Tyson is brought on as a substitute for Michael Jacobs.

75:16

Ishmael Miller takes a shot. Save by Adam Legzdins.

74:51

Foul by Mark O'Brien on Lukas Jutkiewicz, free kick awarded. Richard Smallwood takes the free kick.

74:37

Will Hughes delivers the ball, Richard Smallwood makes a clearance.

72:31

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Paul Coutts by Kevin Thomson. Paul Coutts takes the direct free kick. Foul by Nicky Bailey on Michael Jacobs, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Paul Coutts.

72:07

Ishmael Miller takes a shot. Mark O'Brien gets a block in.

70:33

Centre by Conor Sammon, Nicky Bailey manages to make a clearance. Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Ben Davies from the left by-line, save by Jason Steele.

69:06

The ball is swung over by Adam Reach, clearance made by Adam Legzdins.

68:50

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Luke Williams by Jeff Hendrick. Direct free kick taken by Luke Williams.

67:44

Centre by Stuart Parnaby, Conor Sammon makes a clearance.

67:13

The ball is crossed by Adam Reach, clearance made by Conor Sammon.

66:40

Michael Jacobs is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Nicky Bailey restarts play with the free kick.

66:14

Lukas Jutkiewicz produces a header from deep inside the six-yard box which goes wide of the right-hand post.

65:29

Kieron Freeman challenges Lukas Jutkiewicz unfairly and gives away a free kick. Kevin Thomson restarts play with the free kick.

65:10 Substitution

Substitution Ishmael Miller joins the action as a substitute, replacing Grant Leadbitter.

64:20

Michael Jacobs provided the assist for the goal.

64:20 Goal scored

Goal - Conor Sammon - Derby 3 - 0 Middlesbro Conor Sammon scores a goal from inside the six-yard box to the top right corner of the goal. Derby 3-0 Middlesbrough.

64:08

Conor Sammon sends in a cross.

62:20 Booking

Booking Grant Leadbitter receives a caution.

62:15 Booking

Booking Booking for John Brayford.

62:20

John Brayford challenges Grant Leadbitter unfairly and gives away a free kick. Jason Steele restarts play with the free kick.

62:20 Booking

Booking Grant Leadbitter is shown a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.

62:15 Booking

Booking Booking for John Brayford.

60:58

The ball is swung over by Conor Sammon, clearance by Grant Leadbitter.

60:20

Unfair challenge on Will Hughes by Stuart Parnaby results in a free kick. Ben Davies takes the direct free kick.

59:30

Ben Davies crosses the ball, Stuart Parnaby gets a block in.

58:33

The assistant referee signals for offside against Conor Sammon. Grant Leadbitter takes the direct free kick.

56:53

Michael Jacobs fouled by Kevin Thomson, the ref awards a free kick. Strike on goal comes in from Ben Davies from the free kick.

54:15

Corner taken by Grant Leadbitter from the right by-line, clearance made by Jeff Hendrick.

53:57

Conor Sammon is caught offside. Direct free kick taken by Jason Steele.

53:21

Adam Reach delivers the ball, Adam Legzdins makes a save.

53:21

The ball is delivered by Adam Reach, clearance by Adam Legzdins.

52:20

Ben Davies gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Lukas Jutkiewicz. Adam Reach restarts play with the free kick.

51:03

The ball is swung over by Stuart Parnaby, clearance by Ben Davies.

50:10

A cross is delivered by Adam Reach, clearance made by John Brayford. Grant Leadbitter takes the inswinging corner, Adam Legzdins makes a clearance.

49:38

The ball is crossed by Adam Reach.

48:54

Richard Smallwood delivers the ball, clearance by Adam Legzdins.

48:10

The ball is crossed by Adam Reach, Richard Keogh manages to make a clearance.

47:27

Conor Sammon takes a shot. Save made by Jason Steele. Conor Sammon takes a shot. Nicky Bailey manages to make a clearance.

46:12

The ball is swung over by Adam Reach, Jeff Hendrick manages to make a clearance.

45:35

Grant Leadbitter fouled by Will Hughes, the ref awards a free kick. Jason Steele takes the free kick.

45:07

Lukas Jutkiewicz concedes a free kick for a foul on Mark O'Brien. Direct free kick taken by Adam Legzdins.

45:01

The referee gets the second half started.

45:01 Substitution

Substitution Luke Williams is brought on as a substitute for Scott McDonald.

45:00 +5:04 Half time

Half Time The referee blows for half time.

45:00 +3:40

Centre by Adam Reach, Scott McDonald takes a shot. Adam Legzdins makes a comfortable save.

45:00 +2:09

The ball is sent over by Adam Reach, clearance made by John Brayford.

45:00 +0:31

Free kick awarded for a foul by Richard Keogh on Richard Smallwood. Grant Leadbitter restarts play with the free kick.

45:00 +0:11

Unfair challenge on Scott McDonald by Ben Davies results in a free kick. Grant Leadbitter restarts play with the free kick.

44:24

Strike comes in from Ben Davies from the free kick,

44:24 Booking

Booking Stuart Parnaby is cautioned by the ref for unsporting behaviour.

43:59

Stuart Parnaby challenges Michael Jacobs unfairly and gives away a free kick.

43:14

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Nicky Bailey by Michael Jacobs. Jason Steele takes the free kick.

41:55 Goal scored

Goal - Jeff Hendrick - Derby 2 - 0 Middlesbro Jeff Hendrick finds the net with a goal from just outside the area to the top right corner of the goal. Derby 2-0 Middlesbrough.

41:07

Lukas Jutkiewicz concedes a free kick for a foul on Richard Keogh. Richard Keogh takes the free kick.

38:24

Stuart Parnaby challenges Ben Davies unfairly and gives away a free kick. Strike comes in from Ben Davies from the free kick.

37:36

Michael Jacobs gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Andrew Halliday. Jason Steele restarts play with the free kick.

36:04 Substitution

Substitution Kevin Thomson comes on in place of Jonathan Woodgate.

34:51

The ball is delivered by Paul Coutts, clearance made by Jonathan Woodgate. Jeff Hendrick takes a shot. Richard Smallwood makes a clearance. Corner taken by Ben Davies from the right by-line played to the near post, Richard Keogh takes a shot. Save by Jason Steele.

31:43

Stuart Parnaby takes a shot.

30:21

Paul Coutts delivers the ball, clearance by Stuart Parnaby. Corner taken by Ben Davies.

29:57

John Brayford produces a cross, Rhys Williams makes a clearance.

29:36

The assistant referee signals for offside against Lukas Jutkiewicz. Richard Keogh takes the free kick.

29:36

The offside flag is raised against Lukas Jutkiewicz. Richard Keogh takes the free kick.

25:56

Paul Coutts concedes a free kick for a foul on Andrew Halliday. Direct free kick taken by Richard Smallwood.

22:09

Shot from just outside the box by Jeff Hendrick misses to the left of the target.

22:09

Jeff Hendrick has an effort at goal from just outside the area which goes wide of the left-hand post.

20:06

Andrew Halliday sends in a cross.

18:49

Ben Davies provided the assist for the goal.

18:49 Goal scored

Goal - Michael Jacobs - Derby 1 - 0 Middlesbro A goal is scored by Michael Jacobs from the edge of the penalty box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Derby 1-0 Middlesbrough.

18:07

Scott McDonald challenges Paul Coutts unfairly and gives away a free kick. Ben Davies restarts play with the free kick.

17:49

John Brayford sends in a cross, clearance made by Jonathan Woodgate.

16:51

Centre by Stuart Parnaby, clearance by Paul Coutts.

15:47

Unfair challenge on Ben Davies by Stuart Parnaby results in a free kick. Ben Davies takes the free kick.

13:12

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Richard Keogh by Lukas Jutkiewicz. Direct free kick taken by John Brayford.

13:12

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Richard Keogh by Lukas Jutkiewicz. John Brayford takes the free kick.

12:41

Free kick awarded for a foul by Lukas Jutkiewicz on Kieron Freeman. Adam Legzdins takes the direct free kick.

11:35

Lukas Jutkiewicz gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Mark O'Brien. Will Hughes takes the direct free kick.

11:01

Michael Jacobs takes a shot. Save made by Jason Steele.

9:51

Foul by Michael Jacobs on Nicky Bailey, free kick awarded. Jonathan Woodgate takes the direct free kick.

7:11

Paul Coutts takes the outswinging corner, Jonathan Woodgate manages to make a clearance.

6:33

Adam Reach is caught offside. Direct free kick taken by Adam Legzdins.

6:18

Conor Sammon challenges Lukas Jutkiewicz unfairly and gives away a free kick. Grant Leadbitter takes the free kick.

5:53

Jeff Hendrick takes a shot. Rhys Williams gets a block in.

5:08

A cross is delivered by Adam Reach, clearance by Mark O'Brien.

4:11

Michael Jacobs delivers the ball, clearance made by Adam Reach.

3:22

Foul by Conor Sammon on Lukas Jutkiewicz, free kick awarded. Grant Leadbitter takes the direct free kick.

2:57

A cross is delivered by Stuart Parnaby, John Brayford manages to make a clearance.

2:20

Centre by Andrew Halliday.

1:36

Paul Coutts delivers a pass corner to centre, Jonathan Woodgate makes a clearance. Paul Coutts decides to take the corner short.

1:19

The ball is sent over by Paul Coutts, Jonathan Woodgate makes a clearance.

0:42

Nicky Bailey gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Will Hughes. Direct free kick taken by Ben Davies.

0:00

The game kicks-off.

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