Boro never at the races – Mowbray

Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray paid tribute to his opponents following a 3-1 defeat to Derby County at Pride Park.

First-half goals from Michael Jacobs and Jeff Hendrick had the Rams in charge before Conor Sammon added a third following the interval. Lukas Jutkiewicz at least managed a late consolation for the out-of-sorts visitors.

“It’s disappointing to lose any game but you have to give Derby credit,” Mowbray told BBC Sport. “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,” he added. “But we will get stronger as the season goes on and players are back from injury.”