Middlesbrough successfully built on their shock victory over Arsenal with a professional performance in the 1-0 victory over Derby County on Saturday.

Sanli Tuncay scored his second goal in as many games to give his side the lead in the first half and though Derby pressed forward in search of an equalizer, Boro held on to their slender lead to register their second victory in a row.

Boro started the game strongly and carved out an opening just few minutes after the kick off but Gary O'Neill managed to hit straight at Stephen Bywater.

However though Boro dominated the possession, they were struggling to break down a resolute Derby defense. But the visitors took the lead in the 38th minute when Stewart Downing found Tuncay with a brilliant cross and the Turkish forward smashed home on the volley to put his side in front.

Derby hit right back and could have immediately equalized a minute later through Kenny Miller but his shot smashed against the post before going out. Boro pressed forward in search of the killer goal and almost doubled the lead when Boateng headed Fabio Rochembach's cross on to the post.

Derby had a penalty appeal dismissed in the second half when Pogatez handled the ball inside the area but referee Rob Styles waved away the protests. Giles Barnes twice tested Mark Schwarzer late on in the game but was unable to prevent his side from slipping to a seventh league win in a row.