Derby County beat Middlesbrough
Derby County beat Middlesbrough 3-1 at Pride Park after Kris Commons scored two magnificent goals.
Kris Boyd had put Middlesbrough into the lead before Commons saw his penalty saved by Jason Steele.
Derby equalised through Shaun Barker before Commons added two goals to seal an impressive Derby win.
Middlesbrough should have taken the lead after 17 seconds when David Wheater fired wide with a header from Barry Robson’s corner.
Derby had their own chance in the early exchanges with Robbie Savage’s free kick saved by Steele before Shefki Kuqi headed wide from close range.
Middlesbrough took the lead through a Kris Boyd glancing header in the 20th minute, but once the away team scored Derby were by far the more dominant side.
Kuqi was fouled by Steele in the box after a good Derby move and the home side were awarded a penalty. Commons stepped up to take the penalty, but his effort on goal was weak and Steele made the save.
Derby should have added more goals, but Alberto Bueno’s effort was blocked by Steele and Wheater made an incredible block to deny Tomasz Cywka a certain goal.
In the 51st minute Commons gave his side the lead with a wonderful strike from 20 yards out that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
Minutes later Commons grabbed his second goal after he exchanged passes from a corner before he chipped Steele in the Middlesbrough goal.
Middlesbrough should have narrowed the deficit to one goal, but Stephen Bywater saved well from Leroy Lita who’s header was instinctively blocked by the goalkeepers legs.
Derby County manager Nigel Clough said, “Once we conceded I think we were magnificent for the rest of the game. They were quite determined early on. We seemed to have options all over the pitch. We had everything tonight. We were relaxed because of the way
we were playing. We are creating chances and scoring great goals.”
When asked about Kris Commons and the striker’s future Clough said, “I want a few more performances like that. Players will earn contracts here.”
The manager will be pleased that Derby have improved after their nervy start this season. The club has now moved above Middlesbrough and are now in 15th position in the League Championship
Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan will not be happy with his sides start to the campaign. The Championship favourites find themselves in 19th position and have only managed to take 10 points from nine games.
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