Holmes Rams in equaliser

the season. The equaliser came after 54 minutes, helped by the swirling high winds.

Jason Knight teed up a cross to the back post and the ball slid under Aynsley Pears’ crossbar and in off the far post.

Boro regained the lead through a Paddy McNair penalty after 67 minutes, won by on-loan Manchester City midfielder Patrick Roberts.

He has been a spark since joining a week ago, and ran at the heart of the Derby defence to draw a sliding tackle from Matthew Clarke.

Cocu added: “For me, it was not a penalty.

“I thought he played the ball. I thought it was a correct tackle.

“That is 10 penalties against us now.

“Sometimes it’s not so bright defending, but some were doubtful.

“Too many against and you get a bad feeling about the decisions.” Woodgate’s men failed to see out the game and were hit by an equaliser during injury time.

Holmes calmly took a headed clearance on the volley, 20 yards out, and hammered the ball past Pears, giving him no chance.

“Paul Scholes-esque, that was,” said Woodgate, in admiration of the wonder strike that denied his side all three points.

The Boro coach added: “First half, we were outstanding. The negative was we didn’t kill the game off.

“It feels like a defeat because we have come a long way in a short space of time.

“The lads are gutted because the performance deserved a win.

“I am proud of them, though, because they have come so far.

“We are getting there, but it takes time.”

MIDDLESBRO DERBY

5 ........ Shots on Target ......... 3 8 ........ Shots off Target .......... 1 5 ................ Corners ................. 2 11 .................. Fouls .................. 13 2 ............... Offsides .................. 1 74.1 .Passing Success % .... 76 382 ....... Total Passes ........ 454 46 ........ Possession% ........ 54 55.5 .Territorial Adv % ..44.5