DERBY, England (Jan. 1, 2026) (Interstat) — Derby County FC began its Championship campaign with a 1-0 home victory over Middlesbrough FC on Thursday at Pride Park Stadium.

The match’s lone goal came in the 70th minute, with midfielder Bobby Clark finishing the decisive play. The sequence involved substitutes Matt Targett and Alexander Gilbert, who combined with Callum Elder and Lars-Jørgen Salvesen to create the chance. All four players were credited with an assist on Clark’s goal.

The result defied a pregame projection from Interstat, which had simulated a 1-1 draw and gave Derby a 54.6% probability to win. The physical contest featured four yellow cards, issued to Elder, Salvesen, Gilbert and Targett.

With the win, Derby starts the league season at 1-0-0, while Middlesbrough opens at 0-1-0.