Middlesbrough 2 Derby 1: Zemmama helps Boro pull away from bottom

The Moroccan’s deflected strike from the edge of the box was his first for the Teesside club and ensured Boro claimed all three points.

Former Sheffield United striker Jamie Ward had put the hosts in front from the spot in the first half after he had been felled by Nicky Bailey in the area.

However, Seb Hines grabbed an equaliser for the hosts before Zemmama struck to help in Boro’s fight against the drop.

In truth it was no less than they deserved as they completely dominated the tempo of the second half following a dour first period.

Although Boro remain just two places above the danger places, they are now six points clear of 22nd-placed Scunthorpe.

With Jason Steele and Danny Coyne both injured, Tony Mowbray gave a debut to Paul Smith, having signed the goalkeeper on-loan from Nottingham Forest earlier in the day.

Middlesbrough: Smith, McMahon, Rhys Williams, Hines, Bennett, Taylor, Robson, Bailey, Smallwood (Emnes 58), Lita, McDonald (Zemmama 81). Unused substitutes: Ripley, Haas, Kink, Grounds, Tavares.

Derby: Fielding, Brayford, Roberts, Barker, Ayala, Green, Pearson, Addison, Doyle (Ben Davies 77), Robinson, Ward (Porter 46). Unused substitutes: Duke, Steve Davies, Savage, Buxton, Bueno.

Referee: K Evans (Lancashire).

Peter Whittingham’s missed penalty proved costly as Kagisho Dikgacoi scored a late winner for Crystal Palace to put another massive dent in Cardiff’s automatic promotion hopes.

Whittingham failed from the spot in the 69th minute and the Eagles took full advantage when Dikgacoi lashed home from 12 yards in the 82nd minute.