Magpies too hot for tired Boro

Middlesbrough 1 Newcastle 2

The fixture came three days after Boro's dramatic late UEFA Cup win against Basle and three days before the FA Cup quarter-final replay against Charlton, with Newcastle taking advantage to race into a two-goal lead in the first half.

George Boateng bundled the ball into his own net in the 29th minute for the opening goal, with Shola Ameobi finishing on the stroke of half-time to put the game out of Boro's reach.

Boateng's deflected volley with 12 minutes remaining pulled McClaren's men back into the game but they were unable to make it a trio of last-minute goals at the Riverside, following late strikes against Bolton and Basle.

"We finished the game strongly, we were searching for an equaliser and we were on top," McClaren said. "We ran out of time this week but we've got bigger priorities, everyone knows that.

"It was always going to be difficult after Thursday and we've got a big game on Wednesday. There's a big prize at stake and that's what we've focused on and targeted over the last couple of months. As I say that's what we're prioritising."

Boro had a couple of penalty shouts in the second half when Craig Moore appeared to handle in the penalty area, but overall they looked jaded.

"I don't like losing football matches, and it's a local derby and we're all disappointed but we have to put things in perspective," McClaren added. "It was always going to be a difficult afternoon, they're always difficult after Europe and especially after Thursday's euphoria and the way we won the game.

"Conceding two goals was perhaps the most disappointing part of the afternoon but credit to the players, they could have easily stayed flat but they had a go in the second half, got a goal back and very nearly did it.

"I could easily say we had two penalty appeals turned down but I'm not going to make excuses."

Newcastle had a penalty claim of their own in the first half when Riggott tripped Ameobi, with Magpies caretaker boss Glenn Roeder adding: "It was a nailed on penalty but referees do not know whether to stick or twist because there is so much diving."

The three points moved Newcastle into the top half of the table and - with seventh-placed Bolton on 48 points - within sight of an unlikely European berth. "One game at a time but we're now revved up and looking forward to Wigan next week. We will let the league table look after itself but we have kept our season alive," Roeder added.

"You only get three points out of it but it's a tiny bit more special because it's a local derby and there's a controlled rivalry. My happiness comes from sending those fans home happy."

OPTA FACT: Middlesbrough have won just two of their 19 Premiership games against the Magpies

OPTA FACT: Newcastle have taken seven points from a possible nine in North East derbies this season

MIDDLESBROUGH: Schwarzer, Davies (Maccarone 62), Ehiogu, Riggott, Queudrue (Taylor 45), Morrison, Boateng, Doriva, Rochemback, Johnson (Viduka 45), Yakubu.

NEWCASTLE: Given, Carr, Bramble, Moore, Elliott, Solano (Dyer 66), Bowyer, Emre (Faye 81), N'Zogbia, Shearer, Ameobi.

Referee: A Wiley (Staffordshire).