Flying start for Rams but Morgan has last word against his former club

SECOND DEFEAT IN THREE GAMES FOR EUSTACE'S SIDE AS BORO STRIKE BACK

- By BRIAN DICK

DERBY County slipped to their second defeat in three games as they came up short away against Middlesbrough.

Patrick Agyemang gave John Eustace’s side an early lead and the Rams could, maybe should, have doubled their advantage as they put Boro under the cosh.

However, second-half goals from Matt Targett and Morgan Whittaker denied the Rams a share of the spoils and Eustace was left to reflect on an exacting week in which they have taken three points from games against Watford, Swansea City and Boro.

Here are some talking points from a sodden Riverside Stadium.

Fast start

Eustace described Patrick Agyemang as “brilliant” and highlighted not just the American’s first half performance but the manner of his goal.

Freed by Lars-Jorgen Salvesen’s over-the-shoulder lob, Agyemang raced away from Alfie Jones and had plenty of ground to cover and plenty of time to think about what he would do when faced with the goalkeeper.

Time isn’t often a goalscorer’s friend. Too much can leave a forward in a state of second-guessing - not on this occasion. Agyemang picked his spot and stuck to it.

"The way he took it was really pleasing," said Eustace. "It's his first goal with his feet and he was very composed."