Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick was disappointed with his side’s 2-0 defeat to the Blues at the Riverside Stadium, admitting the Teessiders came up a little short against Town in a number of areas.

A goal in either half from Conor Chaplin and sub Omari Hutchinson saw the Blues to victory, their first success away at Boro since August 2010.

“We’re disappointed, obviously,” he said. “We knew coming in that they were a good team and we would have to have been at our best, as we have been, to get a result here.

“We were just a little bit short today. A little bit short on a number of things, not quite firing.

“I thought in the second half we got better in terms of our pressing and our regains. I thought as the second half was going I fancied us to get back in the game, but then the goal comes.

“We did try to press and we left a little bit of space and that was the way we went second half, really. I think it was their second shot on target and we found ourselves 2-0 down.

“I feel for the boys in terms of the effort, they just lacked that little bit of fine edge of the quality in the bigger moments.

“That’s football. Both boxes is what makes the difference. Everything in between gives you a chance and you try to give yourself a better chance of winning the game, but in the end, both boxes are the difference.

“We just didn’t quite have that bit of extra today. But against a good team. Two shots on target and 2-0 down, so it’s disappointing.”

Quizzed on whether Town, who remain second, are promotion contenders from what he’s seen of them today, the former England international added: “It’s not for me to say if they are or not.

“They’re a good team, they’re a very good team. I know that from working with Kieran and his teams, how well he prepares them and it’s proven over a long period of time.

“It’s a settled team, well-coached and with the results they’re getting I’m sure they will have a chance.

“They’ve got some big clubs to compete with, as we’re competing all the same. It’s a challenge in this league and it’s tight at the top.”

One positive for Carrick, whose team are now 12th, was Barham-born former Town youngster Matt Clarke, who has had a long spell out with a back injury, starting his first Championship game since October last year and completing the 90 minutes.

“It was great to see Clarkey out there, for him,” he said. “His first start in a game like that and to come through it is a credit to him. Fantastic to have him back and playing again.”

Photo: TWTD

ArnieM added 20:06 - Dec 9 Watching this game today was almost like watching a mirror image of ourselves in how both teams approached the game. Fascinating really.
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Suffolkboy added 21:07 - Dec 9 M C thinks and delivers in such a similar way to KM ; he’s objective, honest , human and so supportive of all his players deliver and attempt . This is a measured and contemplative appraisal of their defeat by a very good team and opportune advantage from slim chances . Thanks, MC and again well done ITFC . COYB
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delias_cheesy_flaps added 21:26 - Dec 9 You lost…simples
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ArnieM added 21:41 - Dec 9 Suffolkboy: don’t know if you noticed but MC stands in almost the same posture as KMcM does on the touchline. Uncanny the similarities tbh
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Europablue added 23:22 - Dec 9 Middlesbrough didn't quite look at the races today. Sometimes you can credit the opposition for stopping a team playing well, but they didn't have the same intensity as Coventry in the second half and even Birmingham in the first half. Middlesbrough didn't seem to have the confidence and belief that we do, probably due to all the absences. MC is a highly regarded coach, but I can't help thinking that stopping playing earlier has given KM an edge that playing at the top level doesn't make up for.

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Bazza8564 added 10:29 - Dec 10 Lets face it, Boro were without 8 and we were without 2, it was a good time to play them and we made the most of it. We just need to get to January now and keep that gap. We know Leeds will lose players in January because they are cash strapped and have players with a more obvious PL quality. So will Leicester and so will Southampton. Whilst all those guys are selling we will be buying. Just hold your nerve boys, the new year should be excellent

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Ebantiass added 11:57 - Dec 10 I know they had a few out buy it really looked like men against boys at time especially in the second half. We rarely looked in trouble and bossed it. A very good day at the office from the lads.
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Saxonblue74 added 21:40 - Dec 10 Doesn't come across on here, but watching his interview on telly he was desperate to reference their injuries and suspensions but stopped short of doing so. Perhaps against different opposition (not his mate KmK) he wouldn't have been quite so respectful? Decent bloke, and I'm sure he'll do well with Boro once he gets his full squad back.
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