"I can't say I'm dissatisfied with our performance. We passed it quite well, we worked hard defensively and we showed a lot of grit," the Fulham boss said after the 1-0 defeat.
"It was Boro hanging onto their victory rather than us looking in danger of going more goals down.
"At this stage you have to take any signs of encouragement and there were signs of encouragement today.
"It was a major step in the right direction for them and a setback for us.
"We all know in this league two or three bad results on the spin can spiral you down there once again."