An early goal from Patrick Bamford has given Middlesbrough a 1-0 lead over Derby County in their Championship match at The Riverside this afternoon.

Derby made a bright start to the match, but it took the hosts just six minutes to get off the mark as Bamford fired the ball in off the inside of the post to find the back of the net for the fourth match in a row.

Ryan Shotton had a chance to equalise almost straight away for the Rams, but his header from close range went just wide of the post.

Boro could have doubled their advantage shortly before the half-hour mark when Bamford saw his effort saved by Lee Grant, only for the Derby keeper to concede a corner moments later when Jelle Vossen tried to blast the ball in with the rebound from the edge of the box.

Vossen was involved again before the break as he set up Adam Reach for a 25-yard effort, but his finish flew well high of the crossbar.

Derby's only shot on target in the first half came in stoppage time when Jeff Hendrick tried a low finish, but his strike lacked power and was easily stopped.

Written by
Sian Cowper