Derby 3-1 Middlesbrough

The Rams finally got themselves a victory in the holiday period with a professional display against Middlesbrough.

Roberts, Ward and Bryson were missing due to injury so manager Nigel Clough brought in Davies, moved Jacobs to forward and gave a full debut to Keiron Freeman.

Right from kick-off it was Derby who took the initiative and put the visitors under pressure. Davies looked a threat on the left and Coutts and Brayford proved to be a handful attacking down the right wing.

It took Derby 19 minutes to break the deadlock. Jacobs met a Davies free kick to hit a low shot past Steele.

Jeff Hendrick, who for me was outstanding all afternoon added a second goal with a superbly struck volley from 20 yards and the Rams had made their intentions clear that they were determined to secure three points to 'Boro.

Sammon almost made it 3-0 in the second half. He saw one close range effort blocked by Steele and his headed follow up cleared off the line.

Sammon did make it game, set and match for the Rams in the 65th minute. Jacobs shot from 12 yards which was stopped by Steele, but Sammon made no mistake in blasting the loose ball in from close range to seal the victory.

The visitors did grab a consolation when Jutkiewicz netted, but Derby manager Nigel Clough claimed a foul on John Brayford during the build up should have seen play stopped.

A good three points earned, a good team effort and Derby are now 3 points from the Top 6.

Next up are Tranmere in the FA Cup. Beware of a potential 'Banana Skin'!

Derby County: Legzdins; Brayford, Keogh, O’Brien, Freeman; Coutts, Hendrick, Hughes, Davies; Jacobs (Tyson 77), Sammon (Hoganson 87).

Subs Not Used: Fielding, Doyle, Gjokaj, Robinson, O’Connor.

Middlesbrough: Steele; Parnaby, R. Williams, Woodgate (Thomson 36), Halliday; Bailey, Smallwood, Leadbitter (Miller 65), Reach; McDonald (L. Williams 46), Jutkiewicz.

Subs Not Used: Leutwiler, Zemmama, Burgess, Weldon.

Man of the match - Jeff Hendrick

Attendance: 22,523 (1,581 Visiting Supporters).

After the game, for the second time this season, I was invited on to BBC Radio Derby's Sportscene Final to discuss the game with Ed Dawes.

I would like to thank Ed and the match day team for the opportunity. Once again it was very enjoyable.