Goals:

1-0: Lawrence (22, low shot from the edge of the area angled across the keeper)

2-0: Lawrence (84, darted into the area on the left side and fired past Pears)

Bookings: McNair (15, foul)

Sending-off: Saville (31, serious foul play15, foul)

Referee: Darren Bond (Accrington): Had one call to make and sent-off Saville 6

Attendance: 26,923

Entertainment: 2/5

DERBY (4-3-3): Roos 5; Bogle 6, Davies 6, Clarke 6, Malone 5; Bielik 5 (Evans 54, 5), Shinnie 6, Lawrence 7; Holmes 7, Marriot 6, Martin 6 (Waghorn 67, 6). Subs (not used): Hamer (gk), Wisdom, Paterson, Dowell, Lowe.

MIDDLESBROUGH (3-5-2):

7 Pears: Beaten twice and in the closing stages he prevented his team from losing by a lot more than just two goals;

5 Fry: Boro’s back three – which turned into a back four – was comfortable without being strong and dominant. Had his share of possession before his side was reduced to ten men

5 Ayala: A bit of an uneasy start to the game, but he had to be more authoritative as the game went on when Boro played with a man down

5 McNair: Started in the back three, moved into midfield in the reshuffle after Boro were reduced to ten men;

5 Howson: Could he be better deployed in the middle? With a midfield so weak – and they will be further depleted with Saville’s injury – then he has to be an option inside

4 Saville: The sort of challenge a midfielder should be committed to brought a red card and will now be missing for the weekend

5 Wing: Sat deep in midfield throughout and was often outnumbered and outran by the vibrant and mobile opposition

5 Tavernier: Busy without exerting much direct influence on proceedings. Some of his delivery into the area was too predictable and easily defended

6 Johnson: Left wing back to left-back and, like Tavernier when he got into promising areas, crossing wasn’t up to much;

2 Assombalonga: No excuses for missing the early opening, which was Boro’s only clear chance. Lacked support in a ten-man side, but never looked a threat and never laid a glove on the Rams’ defence

5 Browne: Moved around to try and offer some support to Assombalonga, before he was replaced in an enforced tactical switch.

Subs:

Dijsksteel (for Browne 31): Introduced at right-back when Boro were depleted in numbers and didn’t exert any influence 5

Coulson (for Wing 79)

Walker (for Johnson 79)

(not used): Mejias (gk), Clayton, Wood, Liddle.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Tom Lawrence – two goals and his importance to the home side is clear.