Middlesbrough fell to a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Rotherham United at the Riverside Stadium.

That result makes it back-to-back defeats in the Championship and has delivered a signficant blow to the club's play-off hopes.

In truth it was a poor game of football from start to finish, however it was the Millers who always looked the more likely to come away with the three points.

Duncan Watmore and Britt Assombalonga carved out half-decent opportunities for themselves in the early stages of the game, however a robust visiting defence proved difficult to break down.

It would be a theme that would be a constant during the course of the evening.

Matt Crooks almost capitalised on a mistake from Jonny Howson midway through the first period, before an encouraging moment from Patrick Roberts almost teed up Watmore who just couldn't latch onto the ball.

Both sides had half chances to speak of but it was Crooks who gave Rotherham the lead just before the break with a well-taken goal.

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The second half started with a good chance for Roberts but the loanee couldn't capitalise as he fired a volley over the bar.

Jamie Lindsay then went close with a free-kick for Rotherham, before Middlesbrough's best chance of the game.

A good run from Watmore saw the ball fall to Sam Morsy but the midfielder was denied from close-range by Jamal Blackman.

Middlesbrough made some changes to try and get back into the game however a mistake in the area led to a penalty for the visitors which was duly converted by Michael Smith.

Warnock's side tried their best to get back into the game but instead it was Rotherham who rounded off the win through Ryan Giles who slotted the ball through the legs of Marcus Bettinelli.

It was a torrid night for the Teessiders, and with an away trip to Championship leaders Norwich City ahead of them, you have to wonder if they can pull a big result out of the bag.

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