Derby and Middlesbrough both missed the chance to challenge the top two as they played out a 1-1 draw at Pride Park. Harry Wilson gave the Rams an early lead but Jordan Hugill levelled up early in the second half for Boro. Boro remain 5th and Derby are still 6th.

Derby named an unchanged side following the 4-3 win at Norwich. Boro made just one change with Adam Clayton coming in. And they were then forced into a second with Aden Flint injured in the warm up with Danny Batth replacing him.

That disruption clearly did not help Boro's defence with Wilson finishing well from Jack Marriott's pass just two minutes into the contest.

Derby suffered an injury woe of their own with Wilson going off early in the second half.

Middlesbrough took advantage with Hugill scoring the leveller on 52 minutes as he headed in from George Friend's cross.

Both sides had chances to win it with Batth denied by Scott Carson while Dave Nugent wasted a glorious late opportunity from a one on one position.

Overall a draw was a fair result from this game but both sides will be somewhat disappointed they could not put further pressure on the top two. Derby need to find some consistency in the new year and they will also be concerned with Wilson's injury especially after Tom Lawrence was forced out of the Christmas period. You sense Middlesbrough need a few January signings if they are to challenge for anything.