Patrick Agyemang's 82nd-minute header earned Derby County a fully deserved 1-0 victory over Preston North End at Deepdale, tightening the Championship play-off race after a contest largely controlled by the visitors.
The 25-year-old United States international had earlier squandered an open goal from close range, but he made amends with his seventh goal of the campaign to punish a flat, toothless Preston side that struggled to create meaningful chances. Derby's second win in three league games moves them closer to the play-off positions, while Paul Heckingbottom's team must reflect on one of their poorest home displays of the season.
Rams Set the Tone with Relentless Early Pressure
With Jack Walton deputising for the injured Daniel Iversen, Preston were on the back foot from the outset. Inside four minutes, the keeper produced an excellent reaction save, tipping a powerful header from Sondre Langas over the bar after the Norway international met Joe Ward's long throw.