Derby boss Nigel Clough arrived on Teesside with several players missing through injury and left with midfielder Jay McEveley having suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone and striker Kris Commons nursing a hamstring strain.
Nigel Clough: "We conceded a soft penalty having had two turned down on Saturday which we thought were probably more of a shout than that one given tonight.
"The first goal was going to be very important, primarily for us having not got a win away from home this season and Middlesbrough on the back of three defeats.